32. Asleep

61. Asleep

- Natalie -

.

“Natalie!”

The door pounds, and it wakes me up. I startle at the loud sound and realize I had fallen asleep.

“Natalie, are you in there?”

Fuck, it’s Dad.

I glance at my watch while rushing to the door. The school has been over for two hours. Dad hugs me as soon as I open the door and says, “You gave me a panic attack, Natalie.”

Then looks at my face, “Are you ok? What happened?”

“I... I fell asleep.”

“Kids these days... I have to lock the building, Sir. Would you mind taking this reunion somewhere else? “A man in his 60’s grumbles behind my father. I hadn’t realized he was standing there all along.

Fuck, this is so embarrassing.

Slept and left behind in school like a 5-year-old. I grab my stuff and walk out of school. Even the parking lot is empty.

“Would you tell me what happened?”

Jeez Dad, give me some time to think of a better excuse.

“Nothing… I just fell asleep.”

He stays quiet for a moment, then asks while driving, “Why have you been crying?”

I sigh.

My