Stranger to stranger

A friend

'PS: I am where you stare but do not speak.' What could this possibly mean? There are plenty of activities where you don't need to speak a word. Drawing, observing, and creating. These are all things that most activities require. For drawing, you can paint, sculpt or put on makeup without talking. To observe, you could go to a movie theater or a show of your choice. You can create by editing, writing or even baking. You can do anything with a closed mouth and open eyes. But what requires them? My guesses are a movie theater or an art gallery. I look to my right to look at the time. My clock says that it's one in the afternoon, which gives me all day to explore. I'll head to the movie theater first because the art gallery is slightly further away. I don't know if my mom will let me get out of the house. Am I grounded? I should probably ask her, but then again, it would only make me in trouble if I'm grounded. She would start asking me questions about where I'm going. My only chance out of here without any problems is sneaking out. How? Do I just head out and try to make it look natural? Because, Honestly, I don't feel like I have the energy to confront my mom again. I'll try to get past her. Or, I could ask to go to the movies with my 'friends'. This would probably work knowing my mom has been trying to get me to make friends for as long as I can remember. She would be happy to think I have friends. And, it would feel nice to pretend to have friends. I go down the stairs and see my mom reading a book on the couch. Every curtain in the house is closed, keeping every source of natural light outside the house. The living room is only lit by a little lamp beside her. I'm not a big fan of the sun either. I can see the words she's reading reflect on her glasses. I don't want to disturb her, but I have to.

-Hey mom, can I ask you something?

She looks up from her book and closes her book. Her thumb kept track of the page she was reading. She removes her glasses, which makes me notice a certain emptiness in her eyes. She doesn't look the same or feels the same. Not only today, but ever since the accident.

-Of course, anything honey.

-Can I go out to the movie theater with some friends?

-Friends? You never told me you made friends. That's great! Where did you guys meet? At school I imagine.

-Yes. We are in the same class.

She looks so excited for me. Like she witnessed the loneliest girl in the world meet a human. I'm happy she's happy, but this is a little insulting. Am I this lonely? Never thought friends were this important.

-Who are they?

Oh no, there it goes.

-Uhm, Luke and Leia.

Really, the star wars characters were the only thing you had in mind.

-Tell me more!

She gets closer to the edge of the couch and gives me all her attention. I don't know what to say, I need to get out of here before I say something else stupid.

-I would love to, mom, but the movie will start soon. I really need to go. See you later!

-Okay, see you later!

As I walk out and head to the driveway, I can see her smiling a little bigger than before. I can't help but think about it fading away if she finds out I was lying to her. Better let her enjoy this moment as long as I can. I don't want to see her happiness fade away. She deserves better than all this lying. Anyone would deserve better than a lie. I turn around and face the road. There is no backing up now, I need to get to work. The movie theater is a long way from here. I look at the ground and notice some water stains on the ciment. I slowly lift my head up only to feel some rain on my neck, on my feet and on my head. I'm pretty much soaking wet from the sudden cloud rage. It wasn't supposed to rain until tomorrow. But, I won't complain because rain feels good on sensitive skin. It's like a sweet touch from above. I can't help myself from smiling while looking above. I hear the door open and some keys banging together. I turn around to see my mom locking the door. Oh no, did she find out?