Yellowed

Chapter 9; The Grey Flower

"If you died, I would certainly be remembering you. I would remember this moment," I said as I looked back at him, trying to wipe my tears again. My voice was low, but I knew he could hear me just fine. 

"I don't know what to say," he chuckled and turned around again. "You can completely wipe your tears now," he continued still with a hint of teasing in his voice. 

Mr. Gray laid his head on my bed as he stretched his feet, massaged his temple with his finger, and closed his eyes. I just looked at him, trying to figure out exactly why I had this persistent feeling of swelling inside me, just like yesterday.

"Thank you, sir," I finally utter. He stopped massaging his temple, but his eyes remained closed. There was silence. It made me think if what I said was wrong. 

I shifted to my side, resting my head on my hand, and looked at Mr. Gray with my eyes fixed, waiting for him to answer. 

"It's fine, Flavus. It's almost midnight. You need to rest already," he plainly said. I can't explain why I felt disappointed in his response, but that's what I felt.

His eyes still closed, and his hand continued massaging his temple, and then he exhaled. 

"Sleep Flavus," he spoke again. 

"Sir?" I asked, but I only heard him chuckle. 

Mr. Gray continued, "You only still have 6 or 7  hours left before your class. You need to rest." 

I crumbled back to my bed, face down, and started to doze off right away, even though I think Mr. Gray might have said something else after those words, but I'm not really sure. 

The following day, I woke up much better than yesterday but also found Mr. Gray had left. I admit I'm kinda expecting to see him, but I guess he left when I fell asleep. I got off my bed and decided to go downstairs. I thought I'd cook some breakfast, which should at least pass the time before I went to the university, but when I went to the kitchen, I found fried rice and egg with ketchup. It's hard to miss that the eggs were burnt, but the rice does look fine. 

I slightly panicked when Mr. Gray spoke.

"It was burnt, but It's safe... I think," he giggled. 

"You don't have to do this, Mr. Gray. I mean, what you did last night was enough, sir." 

"No, it's fine, Flavus, but I think I gotta go now. I need to be in the office. See you later."

"Sir?"

"Yes?" he replied as he was almost out the door. But I changed my mind.

"Hmm, nothing. Nevermind sir. See you later," he didn't reply. He just smiled and walked away.

I just stood there for a moment, thinking about why I didn't say anything. Then I went to the table just to stare at my breakfast because I wasn't starving.

Late in the morning, I went to my class. I stared at the board, not minding what the professor was saying. Then I remembered Mr. Gray's words from yesterday. The words made me feel so happy, and so confused, and I wondered why I never bothered asking him why he tried to help me yesterday.

The more I thought about it, the more I couldn't help but wonder and mull over it. My mind was so occupied that I didn't notice the bell ringing until I looked at the clock. It was my only class for today. I admit that I secretly hoped to still be in detention just to see Mr. Gray. 

I went to the hall when most of my classmates were gone, and the hall seemed to be a lot emptier than before. I wondered if Mr. Gray was around and maybe I should look for him, but I didn't want to. I still have that feeling welling up inside me, making me excited and confused.