The Spirit Inside My Room

Changes - Days Left: 5

The next morning I wake up with my body all covered in sweat. Apparently, I kicked the blanket away, because has fallen onto the floor. I feel lightheaded and dizzy. Perfect. Exactly what I needed today.

I cycle to my school and luckily, the tests go well. The presentation could go better and I forgot to bring my papers, so that makes me feel even worse than I already did. To top it all off, Sarah walks up to me and starts talking about sleeping over again. I try to ignore her, but she keeps on talking. I get saved by the school bell and she walks off, saying something about calling someone. I don't really listen to that and just head back home.

I let myself fall down on the couch, not feeling like making my homework right now. I'm nauseous and ask my father, who walks into the room, if he could get me a paracetamol.

'Sure, kiddo,' my dad replies and he walks back to the kitchen to get me a paracetamol and a glass of water.

'Whoa. You're as hot as the heating in December. Are you feeling alright?' he asks as he places his hand on my forehead. 'If you're sick, I'll call school that you're staying at home tomorrow. Want me to do that?'

My dad hands me the glass and the pill. I swallow it with a sip of water.

'No, I'll be fine,' I assure him.

'Well, if you say so...' he says.

He smiles at me.

'Tell me when you need something, okay?'

I smile back and nod.

'Thanks, dad.'

Then he gets out of his squatting position, pats me on the back and leaves the room. I bet he's going to watch the news on his computer in the working room of the house.

My parents didn't have to go to work today. I don't know why, but I also don't care. All that matters to me, is that we have a great family evening today, because they're both at home. I may not have any siblings, but I love my parents... and they love me. I think we make a pretty happy family. I just wish we could spend more time together. My mom has her job and goes to the store in the weekend and my dad has many working hours and that's why I'm left all alone very often.

That's not the case tonight, however. My mom looks way more refreshed than yesterday and is in the mood for fun again. We play some board games and watch a movie. I feel really happy and laugh all the time. I wish this could last forever. Everything goes perfect, until the phone goes.

'I'll take it,' my mom says.

We're in the middle of another game, but my father and me don't mind to take a break. My mom baked delicious cookies especially for today and there's also tee. I take a cookie and put it in my mouth in one piece. I chew a few times and open my mouth, making weird noises as I turn to face my dad. He laughs and does the same thing. Then my mom gets up from her chair.

'It's for my work,' she whispers.

My dad and I watch her while she leaves the room, heading towards the working room.

'Oh, well,' my father says. 'More cookies for us then, I guess. Right?'

He giggles a bit and that's what makes me laugh. It's funny when he giggles like that. It makes him look like a little boy who's up to something. Like he's about to play a trick on someone and only I'm allowed to know.

Just when I hear my mom's footsteps coming closer, the phone rings a second time. Still in the hallway, my mother picks up the phone again. I bend my head down on the tabletop and my father jokingly makes a disapproving sound.