The Bug Term 1 2022 by Rustenburg Girls' High School

To commemorate the start of 2022 and the end of term 1, we have released the first edition of the Bug for this year. Our theme, Re:Growth, is a nod to growing as people. I’m not even going to dare mention the word “tumultuous” when talking about the pandemic, but we’ve all been through a lot. It seems a bit pointless to sit here and write about a school magazine given all of the scariness in the world- from the Russia-Ukraine war and America’s blatantly homophobic “Don’t say Gay” Bill to the ongoing and insanely overlooked war in Yemen, to mention the smallest fraction of overpowering global issues. Pushing past the cynicism and nihilistic thoughts, the fact that all of us continue to to exist and stay positive despite the ever-increasing horror stories we hear on a daily basis, and also coming together to do everything in our power to help those impacted by global issues, is so telling of our growth as people. (Not to mention having to simultaneously partake in “character building” all night cramming for physics and accounting tests on top of this) A little good news and a little break is what everyone needs once in a while to get us through the bad stuff (and for E’22, through 2022, for that matter). This is our aim for the Bug Magazine this term- to spread a little good news here and there, and to remind you that growth isn’t always about the big things- you can grow in small ways too. To finish off this total tangent of an editor’s letter, I’d like to say that I hope you enjoy this digital edition of the Bug. I hope that you learn a thing or two, I hope that you have a laugh at something and even check out one of the recommendations. Have an amazing, sleep-filled and relaxed holiday and see you next term for our second edition of 2022! xoxo Clea

FOREVER ‘22: AN INSIDE LOOK INTO THE CLOSETS OF THE MATRICS Whether you’ve made the switch from uggs to combat boots, scrunchies to sunglasses or finally traded in those abhorrent galaxy print leggings from Grade 6 for casual mom jeans, it’s almost certain that your personal style has evolved over the past five years. After almost two years of keeping pyjama pants out of frame on Zoom calls and sporting the same sweatshirt every single day during lockdown, it’s only natural that people are slipping out of their comfort zones and into something a little more bold as we head into the new year. Blair Waldorf said it best: “Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It's movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we'd like to be.”

REUSE, REWEAR, RECYCLE Lia Naidoo (E1) describes her personal style as creative, personal and satisfying. “I used to just dress for other people and what I thought other people would like or “accept”,” Lia states. “Now I don't really care what other people think about me or my style. I use the way I dress as a form of expression of my personality and as a way to reflect who I am as a person.” In response to being asked where most of her clothes are from, she says that they are actually from her mom or dad’s cupboard and to #cancelfastfashion. “I am quite an upbeat person,” Lia says, “and that is reflected with the colourful, upbeat outfits I wear. I like wearing clothes that match how I feel and how I want to be presented to the world. The clothes I wear express my personality before I get a chance to open my mouth.” “Always be comfortable in what you wear,” Lia advises. “That’s the most important aspect of having a great outfit - ALSO, IT’S OKAY TO REWEAR OUTFITS!”

“I GO WITH WHATEVER I FEEL LIKE.” Taybah Williams (E1) calls her style basic (because it’s popular for a reason), layered and baggy. In Grade 8, she used to wear skinny jeans, a top and sports shoes and call it day - which she now thinks is “terrifying”. Admittedly, she still sticks to jeans and a shirt today, but she believes it looks much better. “Sometimes I throw in a shirt, sweater vest or a jersey,” she says. (In her words, layering is “so the best vibes ever”.) She gets most of her clothes from Zara, Mr Price, Cotton On, PnP Clothing and pretty much anywhere else that has something she likes, including her sister’s closet. “I always go with whatever is in my cupboard,” Taybah says. “And what I think looks nice. Sometimes Lia reviews my questionable ‘fits. That goes for essentially everything: I go with whatever I feel like, and I have Lia to police me when necessary.” (Which she believes is “barely ever”.) Taybah’s advice is to go with what you feel best in. “Don’t wear something if it’s physically uncomfortable,” she warns, “even if it looks nice – because you’ll be focusing on it the whole time, which defeats the purpose of trying to have a good time. Also, purchase basic items first when going for a certain style because they can be worn over and over again, but combined differently. A lekker pair of shoes that goes with anything is also key.” GO GREEN OR GO HOME When asked to describe her personal style in just three words, Gabriela Venter (E6) chose to use “expansive, green and eccentric”. “In grade 8, I was riddled with body insecurities,” Gabi admits. “And while I always (maybe vainly) considered myself stylish, I wore big, loose clothes or flannels/suit shirts over every outfit. I also started high school wearing very dark, black clothing, then I changed to wearing extremely colourful and bright clothes. Now, I've mellowed out and while I do dress in black still it's more of a combination of dark/bright and what I feel good in.” Gabi made a decision two years ago to start shopping sustainably, and she no longer shops from retail stores. She purchases her clothing from secondhand, thrift or sustainable stores. “My emotions and how I feel are heavily represented in my outfit choices, whether its colours or fashion styles,” Gabi states. “I consider what I wear as a way of presenting what I'm feeling and expressing myself.” Now interested in pursuing a career in fashion, Gabi has some advice for people starting their own style journeys: “Wear what you want, how you want to.

What others think should not reflect into how you express yourself. Wearing confidence will make anything look good.”

By Zayahn Abrahams

Matric Dance Inspiration 2022 The long-awaited Matric Dance has been confirmed for the 15th of June! This announcement is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking as it means we must start thinking of the perfect outfit for the dance. Whether it be a suit, two-piece, or a classic dress you must wear whatever makes you feel the most confident. To help you out a little bit I have compiled a few ideas I think will grab the attention of some people. By Chloe Pentz

Little known monstrosities of the Fashion Industry and How we can help save the environment The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world and with the introduction of online shopping, the depletion to the environment has been expeditious. Each year the fashion industry consumes massive amounts of energy and most pressingly, water - this industry is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply. Did you know that it can take up to 200 tons of freshwater per ton of dyed fabric? Or, that up to 20,000 liters of water is used to produce just 1kg of cotton? It doesn’t help that the fashion industry already partakes in polluting the planet’s water supply, but microplastics and toxic substances such as mercury and arsenic are polluting our waters too. This occurs because in various countries, excess waste from garment production is disposed of into rivers or streams and the chemicals used in these fabrics ends up polluting the water. Despite the adverse effects the clothing industry has on the environment, we cannot stop buying clothes as it is a basic human right that acts as a form of shelter from the climate. However, there are ways to help save the environment whilst being fashionable. Here are a few ways to help reduce the harmful effects of the fashion industry: 1. Choose fibers with low water consumption ( for example, linen). 2. Try and buy clothes from sustainable and animal cruelty free brands, or do research into brands that are known to be sustainable and anti-pollutant. 3. Buy better quality clothing- although more expensive, they will last. The cheaper the quality of your clothes, the quicker the deterioration. 4. Repurpose unwanted and old clothing or donate to orphanages or the homeless. By Anika Sitela

Compiled by Isabella and Rachel

WHAT IMPACT DO DISPOSABLE MASKS HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT? We have all worn surgical masks at some point during this pandemic. They’re cheap, easily accessible and pretty much every second person is using one. The question isn’t their prevalence, but rather, where do they go and what impact do they cause to our beautiful world? Let’s start off with the basics. Which mask protects us the best? After many studies, it has been declared that KN95 is your safest option. KN95 masks filter out 95% of germs. These masks can also be subbed in for the beloved blue surgical masks that have become a popular choice. Cloth masks on the other hand have been said to not perform with the same high efficiency as surgical masks. Although cloth masks are the weakest of the three, they still protect us. Yes, disposable is our safest option but what cost do they have on our environment? The number of disposable masks used by health workers alone is an enormous amount. For example, when health workers in America use KN95 face masks for six months, they use up to 7.4 billion masks which results in 84 million kilograms of waste and most of these masks are dumped into landfills, left to decay for thousands of years. Most disposable masks are made from plastics that are unable to biodegrade and break up into micro-plastics that are widespread into ecosystems. These micro-plastics break down further into nano plastics which move their way into the food chain and will eventually arrive on one of our plates. One disposable mask can be broken down into millions of pieces. The impact of single-use masks on wildlife is heart-breaking. Millions of disposable face masks are thrown away each day but sadly many make their way to rivers, meadows, and oceans instead of landfills. A common occurrence is that the face mask straps are getting caught around birds’ necks and this often leads to entanglement. Indigestion of fragments of masks have also been recorded. The micro-plastics that are exposed to the environment will have a devastating impact on animals in the long run. Plastic pollution on wildlife has been a concern, but the popularity of disposable masks should increase this concern rapidly. Hiemstra told Eoin McSweeney for CNN: “I think it's ironic that the materials that protect us are so harmful to the animals around us."

What can you do? 1. Switch from single-use masks to material masks 2. Dispose of your masks carefully 3. Cut the straps off your single-use masks to protect animals from entanglement 4. Educate yourself on further impacts After writing this article, it has made me think about how normal choices we make in our daily schedule, such as wearing a mask, have an enormous impact on our beautiful planet. While it is essential to wear masks in order to do our part in protecting our surrounding peers, it is important to be conscious of the impact our masks will have on our environment. By Chloe Pentz

Ok… Give Me the Good News… 4 Medical Innovations you may have missed during COVID-19 I know looking at the news these days can feel like playing a game of Russian Roulette. You spin the barrel and await the bullet: A new COVID-19 variant? More atrocities in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? World War III? Yeah, opening up BBC or CNN can really be a depressing experience sometimes. But, here’s the thing - many of these major news networks only really report on the negative things happening in the world and - news flash - it's not all bad out there! Humankind has been making leaps and bounds forward in a multitude of areas and with modern technology, we are truly advancing as a species and a society. The medical field especially has advanced rapidly in the past few years, and I’m not just talking about COVID-19 vaccines. Here are some medical innovations that you may have missed during COVID-19 that will really help us grow and move forward as a species.

Solving sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease (SCD) has plagued people, the majority of whom are of African descent, for more than 5000 years. The genetic illness causes red blood cells to become crescent shaped like a sickle rather than round. These sickle-shaped red blood cells can clog blood vessels, depriving the body of oxygen and causing tremendous amounts of pain. For a long time, the only method of treatment was a bone marrow transplant for which it can sometimes be difficult to find a compatible donor. However,, new gene-editing techniques may now offer an effective and safe alternative. A study was conducted by scientists in 2021 where they used a virus to switch off the “bad” gene which causes the abnormal sickle shape of the red blood cells. After this, the patients started producing healthy red blood cells and almost all of them were able to discontinue the blood transfusions that SCD patients so often require. In the past, there have not been many particularly good treatments for this disease but now with this new technology, the possibilities are endless!

Punching prostate cancer 1 in 23 South African men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime and on average, in one day, five South African men will die from the disease. When prostate cancer metastasizes (when the cancer breaks away from its original tumour, travels to a new part of the body and forms a secondary tumour there), it almost always becomes incurable; but fortunately for men with an advanced form of the disease, there is a promising new approach that has more than doubled the length patients have lived without their cancer worsening and has improved their quality of life. What is this new miracle treatment you ask? Well, it’s called lutetium-177-PSMA-617. While its name may be complex, its approach is pretty straightforward: drive radiation directly into a cancer cell while sparing the healthy tissue surrounding it. This treatment is proving to be highly effective for such a common form of cancer, thus having the potential to have far reaching effects and helping a huge amount of the male population

Progressive Pacemakers A pacemaker is an implantable device which delivers electrical impulses to the chambers of heart muscle making them contract correctly and pump blood around the body. The device is used to correct or prevent arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm). Remote monitoring of pacemakers is crucial and traditionally, this is done through a bed-side console which transmits the pacemaker data to the physician, however, the millions of patients with these devices often lack a basic understanding of how the device works and therefore adherence to remote monitoring has been lacking. But, a recent new innovation has completely changed the game.

Now, Bluetooth-connected pacemaker devices can fix the issues of disconnection between the patient and physician. Pacemakers can now be connected to a patient’s smartphone and used in conjunction with a mobile app. These connected devices allow patients greater insight into their own health data from their pacemaker and they make it easier to transmit health information to their physicians, resulting in the whole process being safer and more effective.

Salvation for Cystic Fibrosis patients Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disease characterised by thick sticky mucus that clogs airways, trapping germs, leading to long-lasting lung infections and, over time, limits the ability to breathe. CF currently affects 70 000 people worldwide and approximately 1 000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed each year. This is a horrible disease that affects a lot of people but thankfully, a new drug will hopefully offer relief to the majority of them. A new combination drug was approved by the FDA in October 2019. This drug, Trikafta, is a pill which is actually a combination of three drugs and must be taken twice a day. It is designed to provide relief for people with the most common cystic fibrosis genetic mutation, which is estimated to represent 90% of individuals living with the disease and so far, it seems to be living up to its promise!

By Caitlin Jackson

FEEL GOOD FACT OF THE DAY 1. Researchers Take a "Giant Step" to Produce Low-Cost Renewable Hydrogen An Australian business has developed a whole new electrolyzer to broaden the usage of hydrogen fuel, which they claim is the first true technological advancement in this sector in 200 years. 2. A Revolutionary Carbon-Negative Power Plant Will Turn Algae Into Fuel Istanbul’s first large-scale bio-refinery, designed to turn algae into fuels and feedstocks, has been completed. The refinery, which is set to be powered entirely by wind energy, is set to transform algae species into carbon-negative jet fuel, feedstocks, supplements, and fertilizers 3. New Studies Show a New Climate-Resilient Coral May Cope With Rising Temperatures Coral species Porites compressa (finger coral) and Porites lobata (lobe coral) showed rapid acclimatization in a recent study and had the highest rate of survival compared to similar species. These two species coped remarkably under experimental “future ocean conditions” (where environmental temperatures were raised to match expected temps in real life) in a research facility based in Hawai’i. These corals have shown hope for the future of our coral reefs. 4. NBA Basketball Player Has Donated His Full Season’s Salary to Build a Hospital in the DRC Bismack Biyombo, a basketball player for the NBA, has donated the sum of approximately $1.3 million in value to the construction of a hospital in his home town in Congo in order to honor his father, who passed away last year. 5. A Rare Species of Bat has been Found Years After it’s Believed Extinction in Dense Rainforest A group of professionals underwent an expedition to conduct research within a forest in the heart of rural Rwanda, where the group was pleasantly surprised to rediscover the presence of a “lost” species of bat known as the horseshoe bat, which was believed to be extinct for 40 years. 6. Sustainable Solar Panels Made Using Waste Crops Produces Energy Without Direct Light An inventor from the Philippines has designed resin-like panels that harvest solar energy out of repurposed waste vegetables and food offcuts. These panels have the unique ability of being able to function even in cloudy, rainy and sunless conditions. By Clea de Klerk source: goodnewsnetwork.org

UNEXPECTED HEROES SUPPORT UKRAINE It’s no secret that Ukrainians both within the country and outside of it have suffered through months of turmoil and pain. In heartwarming ways, civilians all over the world have shown their support for Ukrainians in their own small ways. These are a few of them to restore your faith in humanity:

1. Over $40 Million has been raised through Airbnb for Ukrainians Thanks to a Social Media campaign that went viral, people from around the world made efforts to book stays in Airbnb homes, resulting in 61,000 nights in cities all over Ukraine.The idea behind the campaign was not to plan one big holiday in Ukraine, but rather to book and pay for homes in Ukraine listed on the BnB site Airbnb without ever entering the country, as a way to provide Ukrainian citizens impacted by the ongoing war with financial support during these terrifying times. In places where aid packages and supply trucks have been unable to reach, these bookings and payments have been incredibly helpful. It was reported that over 28 million Rand was raised for Ukrainians in just 2 days through the site. Additionally , Airbnb announced that as bookings of Airbnbs across Ukraine continued, over 400,000 rooms were reserved and overall, millions of rands were raised in support of Ukrainians in need. 2. Strollers, Nappies, and Toys Left for Ukrainian Refugee Parents Terrified Ukrainian Parents and children in the process of fleeing the war seeking solace within neighboring countries were blown away by strangers from within those countries, who left mountains of clothes, stuffed toys, baby strollers, nappies, and handwritten notes of support and kindness outside of countless train stations as gifts to Ukrainian refugees. 3. Ukrainian Tennis player donates prize winnings to Ukraine A popular Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska has announced that she will donate the prize money that she won in a French tennis tournament, the Lyon Open, in support of her homeland Ukraine after she was beaten in the final of the tournament. By Clea de Klerk source: mammamia.com.au

Animated Film Recommendations Animated film is often the unsung hero of the medium - a lot of people overlook animation as a source of entertainment as it’s deemed ‘childish’, particularly in the West. However, there are many mature and compelling stories that have been told via animation. Examples of said films include those produced by Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli is a popular and critically-acclaimed Japanese animation film studio formed in 1985 by animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as producer Suzuki Toshio. Studio Ghibli is well-known for its artistic and cinematic excellence. If you’re on the lookout for new animated films to watch, Studio Ghibli is an animation film studio you need to check out! It could be right up your alley! Here are a few Studio Ghibli film recommendations that are in line with our themes of regrowth and becoming more environmentally conscious. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke, directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1997, is an epic film about a boy named Ashitaka who journeys to find a cure for the curse inflicted upon him by the boar god Nago. In Princess Mononoke, Hayao Miyazaki constructed a beautiful and energetic world with complex and interesting characters. The theme of man versus nature is present within the film, but the film manages to bring out the good and evil on both sides. The film portrays the needs of man and nature as equally important, and thus the best and most beneficial outcome is co-existence.

Ponyo

The story is about a goldfish princess, Ponyo, who escapes from the ocean and is rescued by a boy named Sosuke. Ponyo calls for us to start taking responsibility for nature. In Ponyo, Hayao Miyazaki expresses the foulness of pollution. Ponyo leaves viewers with a clear message: The ocean is not a dumping ground, and it is not a resource that people should continue to exploit. Pom Poko

Though Pom Poko is one of the lesser-known Studio Ghibli films, it is still brilliant in its artistry and message. The animated fantasy, directed by Isao Takahata in 1994, follows the story of the Tanuki. The Tanuki are a secret society of shape-shifting raccoons who are forced to fight off urban development THATS steadily taking over their forest. Pom Poko is the saddest and most realistic film on the list, and the message it leaves you with is one of a harsh reality: more often than not, animals and nature don't win - humans do. By Anika Sitela

EUPHORIA CROSSWORD Euphoria has been trending for a while now, so let’s see how well you really know the show…

MY ALL-TIME FAVOURITE DISNEY MOVIES Laughter is timeless, imagination truly has no age, and dreams are surely forever. As a wise little bear once said, “Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Our childhood characters conveyed more than entertainment and still continue to hold a special place in our hearts — especially those from Disney. Perhaps you still remember finding the courage to stand up for yourself after seeing Rapunzel display incredible self defence armed with nothing more than a frying pan, or that time when you dreamed of travelling the world by magic carpet, and perhaps finding your way to Pixie hollow. These stories were more than just fairy tales. And no matter how mature and adult we think we are, we haven't outgrown their ageless messages — even today, you're still reminding yourself not to talk about Bruno. So if you're feeling blue, need a little bit of inspiration or feel a sudden sense of nostalgia dawn upon you, here are a couple of your old classics and some of my personal favorite to turn back to. INSIDE OUT Have you ever wondered what's going on in someone's head? Well, Disney's 2016 hit film Inside Out was able to perfectly encapsulate that experience. It perfectly demonstrated how sometimes, even when we are going through a difficult time, we think we have to suppress how we really feel and appear happy to everyone else. The main character Riley experiences this, but in the end learns to come to terms with her emotions. Through a number of uplifting and heartwarming adventures, this movie shows how no emotion is strictly good or bad and that sometimes it's alright not to feel okay – sometimes, all we need is a shoulder to cry on. ZOOTOPIA Zootopia is anything but another cute children's movie with anthropomorphic animals — in fact, it went far deeper than any of us could've expected. The main character, Judy Hopps, wishes to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming the first bunny cop, despite everyone (including those closest to her) thinking it's impossible. Despite the odds being against her, Judy remains determined— but the story doesn't end there: along the way, she faces great discrimination and even falls prey to a desscriminatory mindset herself. With underlying messages about prejudice and inequality, Zootopia not only preaches perseverance but also the danger that comes with stereotyping. With witty characters and a heartfelt storyline, Zootopia reminds us about acceptance and to celebrate our differences and it will surely go down as one of the best Disney movies ever made.

BIG HERO SIX There are few things that are certain in life: One, I will never like Mondays; two, I will always be tired no matter how many hours of sleep I get; and three, sometimes, we all need a friend like Baymax. At surface level, Big Hero Six appears to have a typical “superheroes vs supervillain” premise, when in reality it is so much more. The movie does an excellent job of depicting grief and can be related to by anyone who has experienced loss. We are introduced to a number of unforgettable characters, who along their journey demonstrate important themes about sacrifice, empathy, selflessness and looking out for one another. I have no doubt that this movie is cherished in the hearts of all those who have seen it. BOLT Till this day, I still never know how some people have never seen this underrated masterpiece — and in case you’re one of them, I'll keep this brief so as not to spoil it for you. This movie follows the story of Bolt, a dog who has appeared on a TV show since he was a puppy. He believes that he has superpowers just like his on screen character and needs to protect his beloved owner, Penny. One day, he is unexpectedly thrust into the real world — and of course realises, his superpowers aren't real. As we follow Bolt’s journey home, we meet a number of incredible characters and learn the importance of finding strength within ourselves, but most importantly — realising it's the small things in life that really matter. This movie has inspiring moments and will have you laughing and shedding tears in all the right places. Fourteen years later, and my love for this movie is still going strong. DISNEY FAIRY MOVIES The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have never heard of these movies, and those who can still recite every single fairy's name until this day — you can probably guess which category I fall under. These movies were a massive part of my childhood and if you haven't seen them, I highly recommend you do. The first few movies follow the journey of a young little fairy named Tinkerbell, who with the help of her fellow fairies, learns to accept herself for who she is and be proud of the talent she was born with. As the rest of the films progress, we get to see Tink and the gang tackle a number of adventures, and even get to explore the stories of the other characters. Besides this franchise giving us absolutely iconic characters as well as an unforgettable soundtrack (And yes, I still have all these songs on my playlist), the movies never missed opportunities to offer powerful moments of friendship and really demonstrated how anything is possible when you have each other's backs. I guess what this world really needs is a little bit of faith, trust and Pixie dust!

By Isabella and Rachel

Album Review: “folklore” - Taylor Swift

Release Date: 24 July 2020 Genre: alternative/folk-pop Mia Sharratt E6

In the midst of the pandemic, Taylor Swift announced the surprise release of her new album “folklore” that would later go on to win “Album of the Year” at the 2021 Grammys. Written completely in isolation, “folklore” was a dramatic shift in Swift’s career, moving away from pop anthems to sombre, whimsical melodies reflecting disillusionment and escapism in their stripped back nature. The album, although not carrying one consistent theme, is her most contemplative work yet, brooding on ideas of the retrospective look back at teenage heartbreak with “cardigan”, the self-consuming need to be accepted with “mirrorball” and cynicism at the silencing of women with “mad woman”. The album cannot help but captivate each listener, leading them into a retreat in the world Swift perfectly designed. Storytelling has always been Swift’s strength and on “folklore” it is no different. The songwriter manages to craft stories and characters independent from her life, yet her fingerprints and experiences are etched into every word.

The most notable story is the one of the teenage love triangle between fictional characters which have each of their perspectives detailed in song. “Cardigan” is from the perspective of Betty, haunted by heartbreak and her lover’s betrayal (“Chase two girls, lose the one”). “August” details what the fictional character, Augustine, feels watching her summer fling with a boy in another relationship pass by (“But I can see us lost in the memory / August slipped away into a moment in time / 'Cause it was never mine”). Lastly, “Betty” is an apology from the teenage boy, James, who lost his lover due to his reckless behaviour (“I'm only 17, I don't know anything / But I know I miss you”). The album is sprinkled with vulnerable moments about Swift’s personal life with songs like “my tears ricochet”, “invisible string” and “peace” and branches off into the storytelling of her own life through elaborate metaphors, as seen in “invisible string”, and delicate instrumentals. What makes “folklore” so deeply touching is that we can mirror our experiences and feelings to the characters in Swift’s world and to the desolation and hopelessness presented on many tracks. Not only that, but this album was released in a pivotal moment in time where humanity was going through a collective crisis and the general consensus was that of uncertainty and dread. “Folklore” is an album that gently holds your hand and engulfs you into a warm cardigan, diving into a world tastefully crafted with mellow guitars and serene melancholy.

Hot Holiday Reads on the Radar Who else feels this term was like being trapped in a hurricane, except there was no calm in the eye of the storm, just constant swirling chaos you had to fight your way through without reprieve? I know it certainly felt that way for me. Oh well, at least it’s finally over now and you know what that means… time to catch up on that reading you didn’t have the time nor the brain power for! There’s a whole holiday ahead and an ocean of books to swim your way through, but if you feel like you need a bit of guidance or just someplace to start then I have three personal favourites that could be perfect for you.

POV: you come off as a tad strange and a little too obsessed with murder stories and depressing indie music… The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (Alternate title: The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle) by Stuart Turton General information: ● 505 pages long ● Mystery, thriller, fantasy ● First published: 2018

If you had told me that this book would literally ruin mystery novels for me for the rest of my life when I picked it up for R65 at my favourite second hand book shop (The Book Shoppe at 3 Arts Village in Plumstead, for those interested!), I probably would have thought that you had experienced a traumatic brain injury, but oh, how terribly wrong I would have been!

To give you a rough idea of what it felt like to read this book, allow me to paint the following image.

Imagine the strangest dream you’ve ever had. Now multiply it by 10 and throw some hardcore psychedelic drugs into the mix. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle was unlike ANYTHING I have ever read before. It is completely original and at points, just plain strange, but in the best possible way. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s novels with its classic British Golden Age who-dun-it type of mystery but with a bizarre twist. The gist of it is this: Evelyn Hardcastle has been murdered… hundreds of times, and each day, Aiden Bishop is too late to save her. Double twist, after each and every one of her deaths the day resets itself and Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest. The only way to break the cycle? Aiden must identify Evelyn’s killer in his allotted seven days or his memory will be wiped and the cycle will continue once more. Oh… my word…what a spectacular concept! For being such an “out there” concept, it was pulled off remarkably and had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish, desperate to find out the truth. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle kept the punches rolling right to the very end and THEN took everything you thought you knew and flipped it on its head with one final massive plot twist. There is pretty much nothing this novel cannot do. Apart from having a nail biting and tense plot with morally ambiguous characters, it also found room to unpack and explore some very important lessons and themes. These include forgiveness as well as letting go of the past in order to move forward into the future; which ties in very nicely with our theme for this term’s issue of The Bug - “Re: Growth”. I believe what we are are trying to achieve with this message can be encapsulated in the following quote from The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle: “ Tomorrow can be whatever I want it to be, which means for the first time in decades, I can look forward to it. Instead of being something to fear, it can be a promise I make myself. A chance to be braver or kinder, to make what was wrong right. To be better than I am today. Everyday after this one is a gift. I just have to keep walking until I get there.”

POV: you’re a kind and lovable oddball who must be appreciated and protected at all costs… The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune General information: ● 394 pages long ● Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, contemporary ● First published: 2020

Do you ever have those books that do make an appearance on your bookish radar but you never actually get around to reading them because you had a million and one other things to do at the time, leading you to forget about reading said book? Wait, why am I even asking this? We all go to Rustenburg, of course you can relate to this. Anyway, The House in the Cerulean Sea was definitely one of those books for me but after seeing it for a very low price at Readers Warehouse during the holidays I made the decision to finally read it and I am honestly upset it took me so long. The story follows Linus Baker, a case worker with the Department In Charge Of Magical Youth. At forty, he lives a quiet and lonely existence in a tiny house with his devious cat and beloved records in a rainy grey city next to his meddling elderly neighbour. One day, he is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. Linus must travel to an orphanage where six highly dangerous children, including the six year old Antichrist, reside with their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus. As Linus grows closer to Arthur and the children, his quiet, unassuming life is turned upside down and he must choose between duty and his dreams. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an incredibly moving story that reads like a modern fairy tale. This book had me weeping at places and then feeling so light and fluffy at others that I felt like I was going to float my way to the stratosphere.

It was honestly like being wrapped in a big warm wholesome blanket that brought along with it positive LGBTQIA+ representation and a metric ton of found family feels. Even though The House in the Cerulean Sea is my Go To Book when I’m feeling sad and need a mood booster, it is so much more than just fluff. It deals with issues such as prejudice and discrimination in a way that is both frank and so painfully honest that it simultaneously made me cry and gave me some hope for our world. It also reminded me of the many little life lessons we learn as children that as teens and adults we often forget, such as the importance of finding joy in one’s life, having a work-life balance and making time to relax and do what makes one happy (something I think we all at Rustenburg often forget). There really is no other way to put it but to say that The House in the Cerulean Sea truly is one of those beautiful stories that help you to find your childhood sense of optimism and wonder once more and help you fall in love with life again, and isn’t that all what we need right now?

POV: you’re a classicist as well as a feminist who wakes up everyday with an urge to recite Homer while simultaneously destroying the patriarchy… Circe by Madeline Miller General information: ● 393 pages long ● Fantasy, Greek mythology, retellings ● First published: 2018

I’m sure many of you have read or at least heard of The Song of Achilles, I mean it is one of those five books that Booktok is constantly recommending to everyone. Despite being written by the same author (QUEEN Madeline Miller) and having awards and glowing reviews taking up the first six pages of the novel, Circe still somehow comes off as

The Song of Achilles’ unacknowledged and under-appreciated younger sibling and that needs to be changed. The novel follows our titular character Circe, daughter of Helios, god of the sun and the mightest of titans. Circe is unlike her family; she is not powerful and terrible or gorgeous and mercenary, but as she grows, her own dark power emerges: witchcraft. When Circe’s abilities threaten the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her craft; taming wild beasts, casting spells and gathering strange herbs. Although, a woman living alone in such times cannot expect to live in peace forever… Circe is a vivid feminist retelling of The Odyssey that shows the immense power of a woman buring hot and bright in the darkness of a man’s world. Madeline Miller took one of Greek mythology’s most infamous characters and transformed her into a hero in her own right, while simultaneously revealing how women have been vilified and scapegoated by men since the dawn of time. Circe is a powerful novel which views history and mythology through a woman’s gaze and turns an ancient tale of female subjugation into one of courage, resilience and empowerment. I believe The Times said it best, “ Circe back as superwoman… Miller’s Me Too-era, kickass portrait of a woman trying to defy the men and Fates arrayed against her is enchanting.” Its important messages aside, Circe is a beautiful story that’s been beautifully written. Miller’s quiet, understated and reflective writing style is perfect for this nuanced novel and the way the rugged and enchanting landscapes of ancient Greece are portrayed is frankly breathtaking. The reader is instantly transported right there; from the azure Mediterranean Sea to the rocky cliffs and sandy beaches of Crete and even all the way to the wild untamed woodlands of Aiaia… spectacular. With all this in mind, the decision to read Circe really is a no-brainer.

Happy Reading!!! :) By Caitlin Jackson

Re:defining self-care Self-care: the greatest buzzword of the past few years as world events have uprooted our sense of comfort and security. We are often told that we need to look after ourselves by following the aesthetic routines and rituals we see on social media or by buying that latest self-care product you see your favourite celebrity rocking. Trying all the latest self-care tips and tricks often leads to disappointment when we realise the bliss only lasts a few minutes and then you’re back to stressing about that upcoming maths test. I think that in 2022 it is time to reformulate our ideas of self-care into something more fulfilling in the long run. Instead of letting self-care be activities we fit into our lives haphazardly, we should let self-care become a part of our daily lives. Routines are the basis for your lifestyle and wellbeing, so here are some suggestions to practice some more self-care this year. Spend time outside in nature It’s a well-known fact that spending time outdoors is great for your mental wellbeing, reducing stress and being a great source for some Vitamin D. Spend ten minutes outdoors to soak up some sun, get some fresh air and take your mind off of all of your stressors. Limit screen time This is definitely a tough one for me. Being a part of the generation that is glued to their phones, I have to admit that social media often just leaves me feeling drained. Cutting back on screen time, as well as culling your following list of all that makes you unhappy, will help you be more present and less distracted.

Schedule some downtime With deadlines, homework and personal tasks, we often overwork ourselves, leaving no time to rest. While we often just try to power through as much as we can, we need breaks to refresh our minds and prevent burnout. Have meaningful interactions with others I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had an awful day and then once I just have a long conversation with a friend, I instantly feel better. Spending time with a friend, sharing your worries and having a good laugh is the best stress reliever out there. Have boundaries and stick to them This is probably the best advice anyone could give you when it comes to self-care. Having boundaries you stick to with yourself, your work and your friends will help prevent you from overexerting yourself and neglecting your priorities. Boundaries can be as simple as saying no, stopping work when you are mentally and physically exhausted and demanding your privacy.

I’m not saying that the occasional face mask and bubble bath doesn’t leave me absolutely giddy inside (because it does) but this year I am trying to focus less on fleeting feelings and more on structuring a routine that will keep me happy and healthy throughout the year. Self-care, at the end of the day, is about taking care of yourself, so do whatever you need to create a lifestyle that you love.

By Mia Sharrat E6

SELF-CARE TIPS TO HELP YOU GIRLBOSS TO THE SUN To say that Term 1 has been a long and stressful one would be an understatement (at least it feels like it). With our first term of the new year winding down, it is time, once again, to start taking care of and prioritizing yourself, whether it be by going for a run or by catching up on some sleep (goodness knows we all need it), a little bit of self care goes a long way. I know that we all have busy lives, so here are some quick and easy ways to start taking better care of yourself. 1. Get your body moving I know, I know, exercise is probably the last thing you plan to do to relax, but it does go a long way in making you feel good! Even if it is just doing 20 squats a day, a little bit of exercise to get your blood flowing helps to boost your overall mood (not to mention your butt). 2. Breathe We all clearly breathe otherwise we wouldn't be here (or we are robots) but breathing, more specifically controlled breathing, helps to ground us and relieve stress. Try to take a deep breath in for seven seconds, hold for five seconds, then take a deep breath out of seven second and repeat five times. This kind of controlled breathing exercise is also helpful for those you suffer from anxiety and need a means to centre themselves. 3. Drink, drink, drink No, not that type of drinking. Drink water. Try to drink 2 litres of water a day. It has so many benefits: it helps with your skin, gut, brain functions and energy levels. It even gives you an actual excuse to go to the bathroom during lessons! So get drinking. 4. Complete a goal Not the one on the soccer field but the one that you said you would do today but didn't. Even if it is as simple as eating lunch, being able to tick something off that you have done will give you a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to tackle some of the more difficult goals on your list. Remember to take care of yourselves, today and always. By Isabella and Rachel

Some (MORE) TOP TIPS ON LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE The Covid-19 Pandemic has been tough on many people globally and its repercussions are still in effect today. An increase in mental health issues has been severely noted during the tumultuous times of the pandemic due to everyone being locked up in their homes with no social interactions. Self-care is a tool that is severely overlooked, not only is it great for helping improve your mental health but is also beneficial for your physical and spiritual well-being too. Here are a few Self-care strategies and tips : ●

Practice healthy selfishness. This will teach you how to care for yourself and to always put yourself first - which is the most important thing! Remember: it is never wrong or self-centred to prioritize your mental health!

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You are your own best friend. Treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you afford with other people.

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Eat healthy foods to nourish your body and engage in physical activity, because a good step towards healthy mental well-being is good physical health.

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Spend quality alone time - but don’t isolate yourself. A little alone time goes a long way in improving your mental health and gaining some mental clarity but should not be confused with cutting off all your healthy connections with your peers group.

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Work towards your goals. This causes determination and perseverance to prosper, which are essential in your own constant improvement as a person.

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Sort out your priorities. Sorting out your priorities (such as yourself) means that you focus on the good and you don't divert unnecessary attention to unnecessary problems that drain your energy. Look after yourself.

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Try to surround yourself with positivity by cutting off negative energies in your life. Negative energies drain you and positivity is key in maintaining a positive mental health.

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Let bygones be bygones, don’t hold on to the past but rather work on moving on.

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Go for a face mask or massage. Self care isn’t selfish and treating yourself once in a while could be a fun way of showing yourself love through spoiling yourself. By Anika Sitela

Q & A WITH OUR NEW ENGLISH TEACHER MS PET 1. Where did you work/live previously before coming to Rustenburg? I am a born and raised Durbannite but I lived very happily in Grahamstown for 4 years while I completed my studies at Rhodes University. I’ve also spent every single holiday I can remember in the small town of Maclear in the Eastern Cape on our family’s farm. So, although I lived in Durban, I like to think my heart belongs to the Eastern Cape. Prior to moving to Cape Town and being welcomed into the Rustenburg family, I was working at Westville Girls’ High School in a leafy suburb called Westville.

2. What is your favorite aspect of your career? Firstly, the students. Although I’m the one doing the teaching, I learn so much every day from the students I teach. The luxury of my subject is that it is so interconnected to every aspect of life, and so we have the opportunity to share and learn from each other quite often. That’s where a lot of true learning happens. Secondly, I love how dynamic the teaching environment is. Every day there is something new and something different. Yes, we follow routines, but you never feel stagnant in this profession. There’s always something to learn and some new resource or APP to engage with. In my short time at RGHS I’ve learned so much as I’ve adapted to a new digital teaching style. I’ve got a way to go, but my classes and colleagues are teaching me so much.

3. What are your hobbies outside of work? At the moment, I’m taking every opportunity to get to know Cape Town. I’m a sucker for good coffee so I’m finding all these wonderful coffee spots in the city (send me your recommendations, please!). Other than that, I am a lover of art and design, so I draw in my free time, and I am teaching myself to use design software. I really enjoy learning new skills. I also enjoy hiking (a gentle hike, no adrenaline junkie here) so Cape Town has some wonderful hikes I’ve added to my to-do list.

4. Do you have any heroes or people you look up to? On a personal level, my mom. Not only because she’s my mom and I think she’s just everything, but she’s also involved in education. She’s taught me everything I know about being in a school and teaching and I always hope to channel her in the way she manages herself with open mindedness, fairness, pragmatism, calm, and this never-ending curiosity. Like me, she’s always learning new skills making her very interesting to be around. In terms of celebrities/fame I am a big fan of author Chimamanda Adichie. I was introduced to her writing as a student and loved not only the way she writes, but her wonderful perspectives on race, feminism, sexuality, and equality. I think the world could use a few more voices like hers.

5. What are your favorite and least favorite foods? Favorite: ANYTHING Italian. I am such a pizza and pasta person. Pass me the parmesan. Least favorite: I’m not too fussy when it comes to most foods. So, I’ll say my least favorite is meat as I’m vegetarian, so it’s a no-go for me. Oh! And under no circumstances will I go near a brinjal. It’s probably the only food I will not eat.

6. What was your childhood dream job? I had two. Firstly, I wanted to be a ballerina. But I really believed ballerinas always looked like the mouse, Angelina Ballerina, in her pink tutu. I also wanted to be a fashion designer. I had so many notebooks filled with drawings I would copy from the back page of the YOU magazine showing celebrity fashion.

7. Do you have any pets? Additionally, are you a dog or a cat person? To be fair to my beloveds I can’t pick a side. I don’t have any pets here in Cape Town. However, back in Durban, my family have 5 cats and 4 dogs who I miss very much! My boy (I guess I do have a favorite) is a handsome Border Collie named Lincoln. He is the smartest dog around and has one blue eye and one brown eye. I’ll just have to get my pet fix on the promenade from other people’s dogs for now.

8. What is your favorite book and who is your favorite author? Well, this is a tough one, I have a very long list of favorites. However, three that I always recommend to EVERYONE are The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson, and The Binding by Bridget Collins (this one!!! Oh, my it’s exquisite). However, I don’t have any author in particular that I follow closely. But like above, Adichie is definitely an author who I rate very highly.

9. Have you ever been overseas? If so, where to and which location was your favorite that you've visited? I’ve been very fortunate to travel much of Europe. Of all the cities I’ve visited the two that resonated with me the most were Budapest, Hungary and Barcelona, Spain. Budapest has such an interesting history and the most beautiful architecture and Barcelona stole my heart with how much art is built into every aspect of the city. The people in Barcelona are also the friendliest I came across out of all 11 countries I visited, their hospitality reminded me so much of South Africans. I felt very at home there.

10. Do you have any pet peeves? I’m generally quite easy going but I think the one thing that frustrates me is when people treat others with a lack of consideration, be it in the traffic, in the classroom, in a restaurant, in their personal lives. I think we could all be a bit more mindful of how we show empathy. On a less impressive note, I hate it when water is left in the kitchen sink inside dirty bowls or mugs. Yuck! Putting my hands in that is a true battle of mind over matter. By Emma Irwin

the forever garden – for Mrs Barrett-Theron Migratory animals, we are prowling the maps of our own beating hearts yearning for a hand, a word, an answer in search of the forever garden tossing pebbles across coruscating pools, and pennies into ivied wells, licking the meat off wishbones, sun-soaked and a little breathless, hoping for some help, a way out, a future in search of the forever garden you wander around the place with your pretty straw hat and old wicker basket in which you hold onto tangerines like secrets and apples like prayers but you have built this place, i remember when the robins did not sing or bathe and when that basket, now filled to the brim, was once empty. you have left footprints in the sand and traced self-portraits in the clouds. the songbirds know your name and they tell me how you are now as you sit by the lake, hands folded in your lap near the path that you paved to the forever garden. -By Zayahn Abrahams

The wall scratched against my hands as I pulled myself to the top. My palms burned as I steadied myself. I twisted around, “And that’s how you do it.” I shrugged. I could imagine how sore I’d be in the morning. “I can help you if you want.” “No thanks.” Caitlyn, my girlfriend, joined me on the wall overlooking the cul-de-sac. The sound of clothes scratching on dried, rough paint filled the air as I scooted over to the edge to make room. Our feet were dangling in the air, swinging back and forth. The air had a cold bite laced with the smell of oncoming rain. Althea, the neighbour’s cat, slunk across the road and slipped through their gate. Caitlyn interlaced her fingers with mine. We stared at the pink clouds above the mountain. The view was perfect from up here. The slope was lit up with hues of pink, purple and orange. One of the people living across from us went out to water their front garden. We watched her as she lovingly made sure every plant had been showered and went back inside. I put my head on Caitlyn’s shoulder and looked up at the sky again. It had changed from the colour of marshmallows to that of the depths of the ocean: a dark blue bordering on royal. One by one, stars began appearing like someone was poking holes in the sky. There was so much I could’ve said or done in those moments. I could have spoken to her about my worries, my anger or my happiest moments. I could have curled up into her side, tucked her hair behind her ear, reached up and kissed her. But I didn’t. I didn’t do any of that. CaItlyn looked down at me and told me how pretty my eyes were. I said that I would tell her how pretty hers were but she wouldn’t believe me. She doesn’t see herself like I do. I went

on to tell her that she reminded me of a song. Alphabet by Reinaeiry. In it Reinaeiry sings: “A is for the way you’re Absolutely gorgeous and B is Because you’re you and that’s enough. C is the way I Cannot understand the things you hate about yourself because you’re perfect to me, I wouldn’t change a thing.” We went through the alphabet letter by letter, coming up with words to describe each other. And letter by letter I realised how much I’d fallen for Caitlyn. All the negative thought I had about our relationship vanished in the face of these words we were coming up with: Adorable, Biscuit, Cute, Dense (yes dense), Extraordinary, Funny, Good-hearted, Happy, Imaginative, Joyful, Kind, Lauren, Mushroom, Nerdy, Obsessive, Perfectionist, Queens, Rude sometimes, Short, Tall, Unique, Very cold, Wise, Xylophone, Young, Zebra. Sure some of the words were jokes, but that’s what made the moment so precious. I realised in those moments something so special: I never want to lose Caitlyn.

By Lauren Richardson E1 - 18 May 2021

Note: Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

Morning Madness The ground reverberates as the projectiles find their mark in the surrounding city. Rubble and dust scatters on the floor in sync with the vibrations. A gaunt little hand reaches out from under the kitchen table to grab a shard of irrecoverable porcelain. The hand brings it closer to the inquisitive eyes of their owner. A toddler sits beneath the kitchen table fiddling with its new found toy while outside, war wages on the waking city. A ray of morning sunlight streams in through a broken window, highlighting each dust particle which hangs over the exposed child. The din outside seems to have no effect on the little girl. As though she has lived amongst the horrors all her life. Screams of distressed mothers waft into the kitchen as part of the cacophony. However, none of them seem to be for the child that is now gnawing a wooden ladle. There is no sign of anyone filling the role of custodian. It seems a miracle that the child has survived the surrounding bombings. Her helplessness seems to stay unacknowledged. The city will not hear a child's cry, because it would be engulfed by all the other wailing. However, the girl does not cry. The little one is either ignorant or she clings to hope as she once clung to her mother's teat, desperable to expel the malicious hunger. The sun is now tickling the child's nose, distracting it from a gruff voice outside. The voice is giving orders to clear out surrounding houses of any survivors. Unaware of the potential threat, the child resumes her gnawing of the ladle. A blood-crusted boot steps around the corner and into the kitchen. A lanky man with mud and gore decorating his soldier's uniform surveys the room. His eyes meet those of the child. One pair has seen torment and suffering, the other stares with innocence and longing. The gaze lasts long enough for the soldier to forget his loyalty and surface his heart. The child raises its arms as the soldier bends under the table and gingerly lifts her into his embrace. Two intended enemies step out of the house and into a demolished street. The soldier proceeds over rubble and destruction, all the while keeping a protective hold on the vulnerable little figure. The sun is glaring down on them, exposing their treason. The morning madness has melted away but not all benevolence is lost. There is a promise that the next toy will be kinder than a shard of porcelain. Nina von der Heyden (E1)

The Letter Tom is at the bleachers fifteen minutes before he’s meant to arrive. In hindsight, that probably belied his reluctance to be there in the first place. Summers' lingering late-day heat makes him regret his punctuality almost instantly, though. Great. Now he’s going to be nervous and sweaty. Since he’s given himself ample time to think, Tom wonders (a little despondently) what he did to garner the affections of a self-proclaimed ‘secret admirer’ in the first place. And, more to the point: he wonders how he can stop doing whatever he did to catch their eye so he can ensure he never has to relive this experience. In truth, he wishes his anonymous crush was a lot more emphatic about the ‘secret’ part of the ‘secret admirer’ moniker. That way, he wouldn’t be all the way out here after school on a Friday afternoon, underneath the bleachers framing the hockey pitch - just to respond to a love letter. He fiddles with the letter in question, folded into four squares and placed inside his pants pocket. He’d debated whether he should return it the night before. It felt sort of insensitive, especially since he was going to reject the author, but keeping the note seemed just as embarrassing. He certainly wasn’t going to throw it away like Mike had suggested - that would be cruel. “It’s just going to end up in the trash, anyway,” Mike had reasoned when Tom had frantically informed him and Noah of his predicament yesterday, after he’d discovered the letter slipped in between the slats of his locker, “What, do you think she’s going to keep it? Like a memento of her first heartbreak? Come on, man.” That wasn’t all Mike had had to say on the matter, although he didn’t offer advice so much as complain on Tom’s behalf: “Seriously, what a pain. Why couldn’t she have just texted you or something? Like, hello! Get with the twenty-first century, please!” “Well, I think it’s sweet,” was Noah’s input. (He’d always been the nicest of their trio), “Also, we don’t know if it’s a girl. The letter’s just signed ‘your secret admirer.’” “Oh please - look at the handwriting!” After that, the conversation quickly devolved into Mike and Noah bickering, which hadn’t actually been helpful. It’s now two minutes until the dreaded hour. Tom briefly wonders if he should offer an explanation, if it would make his admirer feel better knowing Tom can’t accept their affections because he likes someone else. Mostly, Tom just prays it’ll be over fast. “Tom?” The voice comes from behind him, but the surprise isn’t what makes Tom jump; it’s because the voice sounds... familiar.Heart pounding, not even daring to hope, Tom whirls around to see - “Nick?!” It is. It’s Nick, flushed and bashful. For a moment, Tom just stares, not really believing his eyes.Then, a huge smile breaks

across his face. It looks like Tom isn’t going to be rejecting anybody today after all. By Emma Irwin E1

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