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Thirty Seven

Author: Joshua Ataya
last update Last Updated: 2023-01-22 23:56:19

DEVAN

It was snowing again. I was seated by the window side watching the world play out before me. The snow was knee deep now, and it didn't seem like it was ending soon.

Robb had passed out on the armchair, with a stick of cigarette stuck at the end of his mouth. I knew he wanted to leave, he had already began to show signs of wanting to return back home, but he couldn't. Not yet at least.

Mum had given him firm instructions to make sure I was alright, before returning home with me. And thank goodness, I was recuperating quickly already.

I had a few days left to spend here before returning home to dad and mum, and I couldn't wait. Why had I even come on this trip in the first place? I had never liked traveling, so why had I? I couldn't understand.

I brought my face closer to the open window, and inhaled deeply, as I heard footsteps walk into the room. I barely glanced up, as I continued savouring every moment I could get.

"You should close the window, you c
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  • The New Teacher Next Door   Eighty Five

    DEVAN I could almost swear that she had noticed that our gazes were fixed on her, yet, she busied herself about the room, as if she didn't care. My heart ached to ask her all the crazy questions that burned at my heart. Why was she doing this? I heard Dad say something loudly, but we were all too preoccupied to even care at the moment. Mum began humming a song, as she went about her duties. I didn't know what to feel at that moment, anger, or resentment that she had only noticed me, after Matt's death. "Ms Barker, could I please get something to eat? It was a long walk from school." Sam pleaded, as Mum beamed a wide smile at him. "Of course, Sammy Boy. You're always welcome here. What would like me to get you?" She quizzed, scratching at her elbows agitatedly. Sam's fingers flew to his head, for a brief moment, as if trying to come up with something, and then thy dropped to his side again weakly. "Anything is fine, ma'am. I wouldn't want to be so much o

  • The New Teacher Next Door   Eighty Four

    ELLEN My eyes opened as Robb brought the car to a halt. I exhaled deeply, excited all over again. I was finally home, and although I didn't know where my home was yet though,but I was excited. "You look happy." Robb commented, as the engine died down. I nodded, and beamed a smile at him. "Well, I should be. I was away for too long." He chuckled lightly, and stared at me with a confusing gaze. "You think so? Things aren't the same as you left them." "Oh, come on, Robb. Everything's just fine." "No, it isn't!" He snapped, slamming his hands against the steering wheel. I was taken aback by his reaction. I lifted my hand gently, and rested it on his arm, as he sighed. "What's going on, Robb? Tell me." "Ellen..." He began swallowing deeply. "There's something I should have told you before, but I couldn't bring myself to do it." "What are you talking about, Robb? Spill it already." "It's not good, I promise ." I faked a smile, and patted his a

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  • The New Teacher Next Door   Eighty Two

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  • The New Teacher Next Door   Eighty One

    DEVAN Somehow, all of this still seemed pretty new to me. I had my memory back, and honestly, I had never felt as alive, as I did right now. I rode my wheelchair around the house in impatience, I was alone at home. Robb hadn't returned since he left, and now Mum also was taking too much time at the hospital. It had been a long while since I had been at the house, it seemed different from the last time. Probably because I had my legs then? Sad. A car honk blared loudly, and I drove to the window hurriedly. And just as I expected, it was Mum helping Dad out of the car. Matt's death had tightened the cords that held us as a family. Maybe that was what we had ended? A little it of something macabre? I shook my head hastily to clear it of the thoughts that filled it. Mum was at the door now with Dad. I didn't know what to do, I just sat there waiting for the door to be pushed open. In a moment, Mum stepped into the house, and Dad began turning his head around hu

  • The New Teacher Next Door   Eighty

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