There were two lovely college girls sharing an Arkansas college dorm room. The two girls had been childhood friends. Best friends, in fact. Although, it seemed they were very different, they shared a deep bond, much like that of sisters. After all, they had been friends since kindergarten.
One was named Susan and the other was named Mary. Susan was the dramatic type. She loved the theatre and immediately upon entering college, enrolled herself into the college drama department. She was in all the school's plays. At first, she received only bit parts, but she didn't care. She was gaining valuable acting experience and so, she persisted in her pursuit of a starring role.
Mary was studying to be a doctor and spent much of her time at the college library or bent over her books at her desk in their dorm room. She loved Susan, but did not approve of her foolish desire to become an actress. Still, she humored her by studying at the library as often as possible, thus, leaving the dorm room open so that Susan had someplace to practice her silly bit parts.
Susan arrived at the dorm late one evening flushed with joy. She couldn't believe it! Hugging Mary, she announced her good fortune, " I've got the lead role in the play
"Oh, Susanna!" It's a musical, I'll be singing, dancing, acting. Why all of my talents will finally be show cased. Mary, I am so happy!"
Mary feigned interest briefly,
"Good for you Susan. Really, though, I've got to study, dear. Congratulations and all that. I am proud of you, but I have work to do."
She then continued to highlight her anatomy text. Susan frowned. All this studying and serious schoolwork seemed to be draining the very life out of Mary, she thought sadly. It was as if the little girl, Mary, who had been her friend was dying, suffocating under the weight of the young woman, Mary's, studies.
"Really, Mary. All this studying and reading. It's going to be the death of you! You need to live a little, honey!"
"Now, Susan. You can be the life of the party or the play or the school or whatever else you want. I have serious work to attend to now. Be a good friend and let me get back to my studies, ok? We'll have plenty of spare time on our hands during spring break. For now, I've got classes to pass."
