The Gap Year
A. Gautam
Ronan had never imagined his gap year before college would be so far from home, but here he was waving at the Earth in space. When there was an essay contest on why they should choose you to be in Mars for a few months, Ronan poured his heart and wowed the judges. He thought that his newly divorced parents would oppose his decision, but they agreed to let him go if it would make their only child happy.
The training for the past few months had been rigorous. Ronan was nothing but tenacious and determined. He followed every direction and prepared himself for a long departure. Every year, people of every age had gone to Mars and returned in a few months with tales about the quiet, peace, and life-changing appreciation for friends and family. Ronan thought that he needed that to feel better about his life.
Ronan’s life had been picture perfect up until last year. He loved his AP classes, soccer, the newspaper club, his guitar, and two best friends. While Ronan’s best friends always complained about their stepparents, he was a silent listener. He was grateful for his unbreakable family. He was happy to come home to his mother always frantically prepping dinner in her scrubs and father’s car just pulling in the driveway next to his bicycle. They’d discuss their day over dinner. Ronan’s mother would have interesting tales from the hospital, and his father would tell jokes until their stomachs hurt.
The other passenger in the spacecraft was also a teenager. Misery was written all over his face, Ronan could tell. He hadn’t noticed Sam at the training facility and only paid attention to the instructors. Ronan wished he had talked to Sam or even introduced himself. He wasn’t even at Mars and Ronan was feeling claustrophobic and homesick. It was too late to change his mind, Ronan knew. Underneath the veneer of the helmet, Ronan saw a similar expression in Sam’s eyes.
It was an early release day when Ronan thought he’d surprise his mother by fixing a simple dinner. He was surprised instead when he saw his parents’ cars in the driveway. He could sense in his bones that something was wrong, so he rushed in, dropping the bike in the front yard. The afternoon and the evening were blurry in his memory. Ronan only remembered yelling at his parents and asking over and over why they would hide such big news from him.
Despite his best efforts to stay awake, Ronan fell asleep when they arrived at Mars. He woke up in what looked like a sanitized hotel room. Someone had carried him in as the shuttle had to park at a different location from the space hotel. If it hadn’t been for the discomfort of the space gear, Ronan would have napped longer. Then Ronan saw Sam, sitting on the edge of a small bed. He had already changed into regular clothes. Thinking that Ronan was still asleep, Sam was staring at a photograph, which Ronan assumed was of his family. Ronan closed his eyes for just a while longer to give Sam privacy. Perhaps in a few weeks, he would share with Sam his troubles and learn about his troubles, too. Perhaps Sam needed a friend like Ronan did.
Question
Determine whether each detail reflects a conflict in the story. Select the correct answer in each row.
Conflict in the Story Not a Conflict in the Story
Ronan discovers his parents are about to get a divorce
Conflict in the Story – Ronan discovers his parents are about to get a divorce
Not a Conflict in the Story – Ronan discovers his parents are about to get a divorce
Ronan’s doesn’t notice Sam at the training facility
Conflict in the Story – Ronan’s doesn’t notice Sam at the training facility
Not a Conflict in the Story – Ronan’s doesn’t notice Sam at the training facility
Ronan wins an essay contest that would allow him to visit Mars
Conflict in the Story – Ronan wins an essay contest that would allow him to visit Mars
Not a Conflict in the Story – Ronan wins an essay contest that would allow him to visit Mars
Someone carries Ronan to his room while he’s asleep
Conflict in the Story – Someone carries Ronan to his room while he’s asleep
Not a Conflict in the Story – Someone carries Ronan to his room while he’s asleep
Sam seems claustrophobic and miserable
