Every semester, like clockwork, my father would send me a text message filled with encouraging words, wishing me good luck before my exams. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant the world to me. It gave me the motivation to push forward and do my best, knowing that I had someone who believed in me.

However, today was different. As the hours ticked by, I waited anxiously for the familiar sound of my phone buzzing with a new message, but it never came. I felt a pang of disappointment and a sense of loneliness, as if I had lost a piece of myself.

During the day, my mother kept calling me to check up on me, knowing that I was feeling ill. Despite her own worries and concerns, she put them aside to make sure that I was doing okay. Her calls were a reminder that I had someone who cared about me deeply and was there for me when I needed them the most. I felt moved by her actions, knowing that she was playing the role of both parents in that moment.

I knew that I had to gather my strength and do what I had to do. I forced myself to take my medications and go write my exams, even though I felt like curling up in a ball and hiding from the world. It was a struggle to keep my emotions in check as I walked through the halls of the exam room, trying to keep my head down and my spirits up.

The tears flowed freely down my face, blurring my vision and making it hard to focus on the questions in front of me. I missed my father's words of encouragement, his gentle voice telling me that he believed in me. But I knew that I couldn't let my disappointment get the better of me.

With each passing minute, I took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. I channeled all my energy and determination into my exam papers, determined to make my father proud. It wasn't easy, but I pushed through the pain and exhaustion, knowing that the end was in sight.

And when I finally put down my pen and walked out of the exam room, I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment wash over me. Despite the odds, I had done it. I had faced my fears and conquered my doubts, all on my own.

As I walked back home, tired but proud, I realized that sometimes we need to be our own source of motivation and strength. While it would have been nice to receive my father's text message, I knew that his love and support were with me, even if he wasn't physically present. And I was grateful for my mother's unwavering love and support, which helped me get through the tough times.