In the early Saturday morning a row of bunks sat perfectly arranged, loudly announcing inspection time. Still, one boarder remained seated on a locker beside her bed, lost in thought, eyes fixed on photographs of home.

        Suddenly, the loud voice of the senior prefect boomed through endurance hall-“Girls, greet!” a command loud enough to break walls, leaving no one unsure of what to do. Then the boarders replied. their voices tore through the air, raw and relentless, every word carrying the last bit of strength they had - “Good morning ma’am. You are welcome to Endurance hall”.

      Boarders stood in perfect rows, shoes polished enough to show ones reflection, bed tightly tucked , white bedspread glimmering in the morning light, braids aligned, breath held briefly then slowly released . The inspector eyes sharp scanning through every detail like a hawk, hand folded at her back, pausing occasionally letting tension build  among the students.

      One student hand trembled as she adjusted her shoe, another one tried to hide the small paper she had forgotten to tuck. Every minor error was heightened by her stare.

       She moved through the room, paper in hand jotting notes, shaking her head, nodding every gesture precise and sharp. At last she left room the half broken door clinging softly behind her. A wave of relief swept over Endurance hall and the tension of inspection finally broke.

        Endurance hall was more than a building on inspection days, it was a measure of their patience and courage. They had faced the Inspector gaze and some how they had Endured.