Anabeth: Advent Calendar 2024

This year, Padmè had organized a small charity event in cooperation with Satine. They had set up a stall at one of the Christmas markets where they were giving out soup and childrens' toys for free and collecting donations which would all go towards charity.

Ana and Petro had decided to drop by and help out a little bit. Or rather, Ana had decided that they would help out. Petro did not seem too excited to volunteer, but this only convinced Ana more that she needed to have him do this.

"I don't get why we need to this" Petro complained on the speeder ride. Ana let out a sigh before she answered "Because it is important to look out for those less fortunate than us". "But don't we do that enough in our duty as Jedi already?". "Yes, we serve the good of the people in our job as Jedi. But more often than not, or job does not actually provide anyone with food, warm clothes, shelter or medical care".

"But isn't that the job of the government and not us" Petro was adament. "It should be. And believe me, the government is trying its' best to provide for everyone. But unfortunately, some peoples' stories are a bit more complicated and require the help of volunteers. You'll get what I mean soon enough".

The rest of the speeder ride was silent. They soon arrived at the market and joined Padmè and Satine in giving out plates of soup. During a quieter period, Satine and Padmè went to take a small break. Ana was just serving up another plate of food when she noticed a smartly dressed man approach her Padawan. Curious, she listened in on their conversation.

"Hello young man. Whatever could have you so unhappy today?" the man asked. "Nothing" Petro mumbled "Would you like some soup?". "As a matter of fact, no" the man replied "I would much rather like to know what this 'nothing' that is having you upset is. Are you perhaps not wanting to be here?".

"Yes. How did you know?". "It does not take an expert to see that you are no enjoying yourself. Now, as someone who has seen more than one kid in your situation, it would very much interest me what you would wish to be doing instead".

"I don't know. Practicing I guess. I need to practice more so that I can become a Jedi knight and help people" Petro explained. "I see. Your heart is in the right place, I must grant you that. But you still have much to learn on your journey. What is your name my boy?". "Petro".

"Now Petro, do you see that woman over there?" the man pointed to a woman that was sitting on a bench while eating a bowl of soup she had gotten from them. "She is a single mother. She works three jobs to be able to afford a school off planet for her daughter, where she will have better opportunities in the future, so she might lead a better life than her mother. The woman lives paycheck to paycheck and sometimes goes days without eating to be able to feed her daughter instead. Now tell me, how is you being a Jedi going to help her?"

"I don't know" Petro admitted solemnly. "Or take that man over there" the man now pointed towards an elderly gentleman sitting on another bench, also eating a bowl of soup. "His wive spends all of their money on partying and shopping. By the end of each month, he usually has to beg for food on the streets because there is no money left. How is you being a Jedi going to help him?".

"I don't know" Petro once again admitted. "Or take those three children over there. They live with their grandparents as their father works off planet to support all of them. The income of one person is all they have to support six people. Their money is tight and the children barely get anything for Christmas due to that. How is you being a Jedi going to help them?".

"It's not directly going to help them at all" Petro mumbled sadly. "Exactly. Now tell me, how is you being here helping them?". "It gives that man and that woman a proper meal they would not be able to afford otherwise. And the children can receive some new toys for Christmas instead of getting nothing" Petro replied.

"Now tell me, do you finally get why you are here? Why this is important?" the man asked. "I think I do. I see why this is so important now". "I am very glad to hear that. You are a very kind young man with his heart in the right place. You still have a lot of things to learn about the galaxy, but rest assured that I believe in you" the man praised him.

"Thank you. I will work hard to live up to that belief" Petro promised. "Have a merry Christmas, Petro" then man bit hm good bye. "And you as well" Petro replied before the man disappeared back into the crowd.

"Master, who was that?" Petro turned to Ana, still a little perplexed by what just transpired. "The president of a charity that is active in this area of town. He often provides people here with food and listens to their stories. Padmè and Satine are giving the donations raised through this event to his charity" Ana explained.

"He seems like an incredible man. I really learned so much from him" Petro admitted. "I'm sorry I acted the way I did about all of this. I see now why this is important". "I'm very glad to hear that. This was exactly what I wanted you to realize through this, and I am very proud of you for being open minded and willing to learn. If you want, you can return to the Temple already. I know you have a lot of studies to do still" Ana praised her Padawan.

"My studies can wait until tomorrow" Petro replied "Today, I think it is more important that I help make a difference here".