Under the Hot Desert Sun

by Anna
(Seattle, WA, USA)

Our school was a former residence of a Saudi Princess. It comprised of a large four-story building with a large court yard.

All along the boundary walls were servant quarters which had been converted into classrooms. It was in the courtyard that we would gather for the award ceremonies.

I was in 5th grade, and distinctly remember the award ceremony at the end of that year. We were forced to sit in chair and watch the boring proceedings under the hot desert sun.

The front rows had tents erected over them, but only the students receiving awards and the teachers were allowed to sit there.

I remember not feeling well, and trying to sneak away into my classroom. The prefects, however, would make me go back and sit in my seat.

When I finally went home, my head was pounding I had a fever. I don’t remember much but I do remember waking up and my parents telling me that I had a sun stroke.

It wasn’t severe, I recovered the next day.