Just a day at school

First recess. I take out my phone to check if I missed anything from Yasmin. Nothing. I go to the Grenier and check the phone again. Terrible news. I can’t believe it at first. Staring at the screen. Speechless.

Call me

I put the volume up so I can hear her call.

First minute of German class. My phone rings. I get up and go out of class. It’s Yasmin. I lose all my strength at collapse to the bench. Full of anger. No. Fear. I get up and lean against the wall. Tears running down my face. I can’t stop them. I want to “close up” and hide from the world. My hand covering my mouth.

Kopatytch is staring at me in a weird way, walking from side to side. I sit on the stairs, focusing my eyes on the floor, phone to my cheek. I see shoes. Black ones. He taps me on the shoulder. Points at the door. Feeling-less thing. No phones allowed.

I go outside. Stand a little. Yasmin close to me. Salad Fingers walking in circles around me. Ugly, motionless face. I put my phone down. He looks at me. Emotionless voice talking to me.

Here, in reality, she’s not your Grandma. Go to your class. Test. Phone will be confiscated.

I can’t concentrate on what he’s saying. I can only hear meaningless words.

Back to German class. The longest 10 minutes of my life.

5 minute break. Run to Grenier. Feel blind without my glasses on. Buy a carambar, even though I have 2 francs left. Run back.

Lunch. Not hungry at all. Niko asks me if I’m okay. I don’t know why but sometimes such small things can cheer you up. My tears are dried up. I run to the metal stairs. No need for a jacket. I climb to the very top. Shivering. Staring at the screen of my phone, motionless.

Call mum. She will pick me up in an hour. That’s when homeroom starts.

Go to the bathroom. Stare at the mirror. Is this really me? Pale. As white as paper. Red eyes. I wash my cold hands with hot water. Carolina and Franny walk in. I say I have to go and rush out of there. Alice catches me. Pink face. Suspicious look. I talk to him with no emotions. Monotone voice, cold face.

The bell rings. Everyone rushes. I stand in front of the Mont Blanc. Not moving a muscle. Emma’s there. She gives me a hug and says she’s sorry. I see Franny. Tears running down her cheeks. She asks when did it happen and goes away.

I sit on the train. Blanc. Speechless.