*The Cure

When a disease strikes a human being, it can cause many forms of affliction, depending on several factors- the immune system of that affected, the form of disease and how dangerous that disease could be. Once it enters your body, the only way to remove it is to innoculate some sort of medicine, hoping that it would work and cure the body of that affliction. Not all medicine are helpful though, as some diseases can ultimately lead to death. Same theory applies with everyday problems. Not all solutions work, and the seriousness of a problem depends on its nature, and how an individual tackles it.

Ever since moving in to Palmville, John Bow experienced disparate emotions. Excited at the thought of finally living in a place worthy of being called a home, and happy at the prospect of not having to deal with security guards eyeing him suspiciously. On top of that, he could finally place full concentration on his studies without needless distractions, and he had been reunited with an old friend. The downside- initially getting into perpetual conflicts with a certain someone and the tiresome walk to and from college. But the pros definitely outweigh the cons, as he seems to have adjusted to life pretty well. But of late, he seems to have been muscled by problems pertaining to his future, one common scenario faced by almost all teens and young adults. Not so an issue last year, it seemed to have amplified now as he contemplated staying put or searching for greener pastures elsewhere. As if that was not a burden enough, he had to tolerate Hans Basil's unnecessary dish of attitude on a daily basis, for reasons unknown. But it seems on that front, the entire messy saga had finally concluded.

Hans Basil was fully aware that nothing goes his way, but even with the knowledge he was powerless for he was fighting a war with the intangible. But, he seems to learn a few lessons, one being that opportunity comes knocking only once. The past month, that opportunity came for him when he could quit, but he threw it away. This time, he grabbed it, and he utilized it well. Hans was waiting with John for Diane Shine and Nick Ivans to complete their tasks, when John started conversing with him randomly. Sensing an opportunity, Hans grabbed it and subsequently resulted in a heart-to-heart conversation with his ex-roommmate, the first real conversation they have had since Hans' return. John now had a clearer picture of the entire misunderstanding, and the chapter could be closed for the opening of the next. But doubts still linger if the honesty from the pair was sincere, or just a mere facade at making the other believe everything was okay and rosy again.

Without John as his hostel accomplice, Hans needed a new outlet to ease his misery. Nick Ivans provided that support with his undivided loyalty and time, but Hans still received new outlets, a chance outing with someone not from the norm leading to random nights of meetings and conversations. And it was one particular night where this mystery friend revealed shocking news that if ever leaked could destroy more than one student in Sunway. Hans had no problem keeping secrets. Only thing was, the secret concerned a friend. Would Hans honour his word, but betray his friend in the process? Or would he put his friend first, and betray the trust his new acquaintance had put in him?
That was the least of his problems though, after reality bit him hard that this semester was not going to be a walk in the park, his math test results a bitter indication of things to come, as he suffered the agony of being last in class. In addition, circumstances made him regret his decision to return even more. Hans was being beaten down struggling to cope with the hectic pace of studies, and now that he made his decision to return, an external source is pulling for his return- the Singapore Government. Having escaped government service by virtue of his studies last August, it seems the free pass lasted only once, with his return back to his hometown expected within the upcoming weeks. Defer, and face punishment. Hans just can never get a break.

Missing-in-Action Sanya Dival had been pretty quiet of late, absent from the social scene and gliding through Sunway like a ghost, with only glimpses of her appearance. There could be good reason. Last year, Sanya and Hans were viewed as Sunway's "It" couple, perched on their thrones and enjoying life in college. But what goes up must come down, and it did. Fights and conflicts had lead to them breaking up, and it appears that individually, they could not achieve what they had accomplished last year, with a new male and female student in the spotlight this time round- Brazilian Lukas, and Diane Shine. With his actor good-looks and million dollar smile, Lukas had all of Sunway's girls falling at his feet. Included was Angie Flo, whose heart melted at first sight. As for Diane, she seemed to be the centre of male attention, shoving Sanya off the spot she had sustained for long periods in her peak period. It looks like Sanya had a plan up her sleeve, setting her eyes on a new guy in college, identity relatively unknown. Could he be the catalyst that skyrockets Sanya back to the top?

While Angie Flo isn't daydreaming about Lukas or gazing at him, she either studies, or puts her good heart to good use. Being one who shares a lot of concern for her friends, Angie pained to see her close friend Hans feel miserable due to his falling out with John, so she tried playing peacemaker. Her attempt bombed as both Hans and John were tight-lipped on the issue, refusing to disclose any information. Angie, while having good intentions, should not be too concerned with their status yet, for there seems to be trouble brewing in her own paradise. She had suffered her own problems with Sanya the past few weeks, and history looks to be repeating itself. Struggling with studies as well, Angie appears to be in the same sinking boat as Hans.

In Sunway, no one seems to be having it easy. Nick and Sue Anne battle matters of the heart, the latter's brother and John dealing with studies and Angie and Hans grappling with both issues. With each new day come new problems, but solutions do not appear as fast as the problems. And with these niggling issues piling up perpetually, will they culminate in the mental breakdown of these students? Who has the mental capacity to overcome the tribulations thrown at them? With power comes great responsibility, and with problems come great despondency.