By Elizabeth Tang Grade 6
When I was little, traveling to a new world seemed so easy. Wherever I was, I could be a superhero to save the world, or a “Sailor Moon” sought after by people. I could also be a naive little girl learning magic in the sorcery world. Whatever I wanted, just by closing my eyes, I could hear the lively music appearing in my mind.
But everything changed when I grew up: the endless homework, pressure from my teachers, and expectations from my parents made me feel out of breath. I didn’t have much time to visit other worlds. I am more “practical” now; I already know that I am not a girl who can save the world, because I don’t have any talent like Muichiro Tokito or a heavenly voice like Hatsune Miku. What I need to face is only exams.
But life always gives you a new start. When I was 12 years old, Frieren arrived at my side. She is an elf who has lived for almost 1,000 years, who struggles to understand human emotions, but deeply detests the demons who kill people. But her great magical power isn’t the reason why she attracts me. Although Frieren is a formidable elf, she likes to sleep and always falls into the same trap, but all in all, she can still help her friends in the crucial moments.
The story started during that winter vacation. At the strong recommendation of my friend, I opened 《Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End》. I didn’t expect a single anime to change anything, but the story of Frieren really touched the most fragile part of my heart. The elf has the most amazing magical power, and she even had many friends who could give her unconditional love and encouragement—this was something that I thought I could never have in the real world. But when she became conscious of that, everyone had already left her. When I saw that, I didn’t think I was unlucky anymore; at least, my friends and family all exist. What I am now going to face is a heart that doesn’t know how to feel love from others, just like Frieren, but I have time to rescue myself.
This time, I tried to perceive the happiness in life. I understand that my mom has high expectations because she is proud of me, and teachers give me targets because they care about me. When I am tired, I will just close my eyes, and my friends from another world will give me a big smile. I try to love others, not be loved by others. I will give my mom a cup of water when she works; when my friends are angry, I will comfort them. The next time I feel sad, looking up at the sky, I can hear Frieren talking to me kindly: “Please remember, when the sky grows darker and darker, the stars will shine brighter and brighter.”
Originally, what I wanted was not to save the world; I only wanted to be appreciated. And if you use some imagination and clear eyes to observe the world, it becomes very easy.
Don’t be unwilling to settle for mediocrity. This time, I didn’t try to escape into her world, nor did she just visit mine. Together, we are building a brand-new world inside my heart-one where a seemingly ordinary girl can face any exam, any challenge, with a heart full of magic and love.
Frieren spent years searching for the blue moon weed to remember her friend. I don’t need to search the world for it; the seeds of love and gratitude have always sprouted in my own heart.
