The Sound Of Your Heart

TEN

TYLER

Days passed, which turned into a week, I was in my class, sitting on my assigned seat, doing pen-spinning tricks on my fingers while I was thinking deeply about something. The mundane routine of lectures and assignments had become a blur, and my mind craved a break from the monotony.

As I twirled the pen effortlessly between my fingers, the rhythmic motion provided a momentary respite from the academic pressures that burdened me. Lost in my little world, my thoughts wandered, searching for a spark of inspiration.

It's been a week since I heard anything about Miles, and his sudden absence has left me perplexed and worried. Each passing day only intensifies my growing concern for him. Did he fail calculus? Did he get suspended? These questions circle my mind like vultures waiting for prey, leaving me restless and desperate for answers. Miles was not the type to disappear without a trace.

"Hey, is everything alright? You look troubled," Klaus abruptly whispered as he leaned closer to me. I sighed and looked up at Klaus, relief washing over me at his concern. As my best friend for years, he knew me well enough to sense when something was troubling me.

"It's a bit complicated," I admitted, whispering and running a hand through my hair. "You remember how Miles has been struggling with Calculus all semester?" Klaus nodded, his brow furrowing with worry.

"Well, I decided to help him out," I continued, my voice a mix of guilt and frustration. "I thought I could explain some concepts to him and give him some extra practice before the final exam. I didn't want him to fail, you know?"

Klaus's expression softened. "That's a kind gesture, man. But why would he get suspended for that?"

"Last week, they had their calculus exam. What if he couldn't answer a single question? What if his mind went blank? What if he froze?"

Klaus sighed, understanding the weight of the situation. "You had no control over his performance, you know. It's not entirely your fault."

"I know, but a part of me feels responsible," I confessed. "He relied on me and trusted me to guide him through this subject, and now he might be facing suspension right now because of me."

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Klaus spoke again, his voice filled with resolve, "How about you ask Mr. Wayne yourself?"

Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling the end of another grueling day of classes, I eagerly rose from my seat along with the rest of my classmates. It was a routine we had all grown accustomed to, an unspoken synchrony that filled the room as we gathered our belongings and prepared to leave.

He's right. I've been thinking about Miles all week because I've been so worried about him. Maybe it's time for me to confirm with Prof. Wayne the truth to put my mind at ease.

The classroom emptied quickly as students rushed out, eager to embrace the freedom. However, my thoughts were consumed by the enigma that had been plaguing me for days. I gathered my belongings and made my way to Prof. Wayne's table.

"Professor, may I ask you something?" I asked him.

"Of course, Mr. Penrod," he replied, pausing in his task and giving me his full attention as his eyes twinkled behind his wire-rimmed glasses. The professor was a man of wisdom, his silver hair and gentle smile giving him an aura of authority and approachability.

"What is it you wanted to know?" he inquired, tilting his head slightly and waiting patiently for my question. I'm second-guessing what I'm going to ask the professor because I'm afraid someone else might hear. Since I am familiar with the kids on this campus, I know that if they learn of anything strange, they will make a huge deal out of it, which will cause it to quickly become a problem and spread throughout the campus like wildfire. That's what I don't want to happen, and I'm afraid Miles will experience bullying once more because of it. I don't want anything further to occur to him because he has already gone through enough.