Metanoia

Chapter 6: The Tourniquet

• KIAN •

          I can't believe that I have to stay here with her. What will this look like to other people? It's like. . . Dirty? I feel like throwing up. I bet she probably doesn't even clean or anything, like the slob she is. "Eh...are you alright?" She asks. I hate how small she sounds, I hate her damn wheelchair, I hate her attitude. I hate this situation. Why did this have to happen to me? Why couldn't some bleeding heart activist be in my place instead? I can't stop myself from growling out, "I am not going to help you with anything, just so you know. I mean anything. Let's just stay as separate as possible until this month is over." I still don't bother to look at her. She doesn't make eye contact or have even an ounce of respect for anyone obviously superior to her.

          What a nuisance.

          This is really ruining my mood. That slap should have taught her to stay away from me in the first place, but noooooo! I shake my head, as frustration simmers beneath the surface. "I...guess you don't want to sit down to steak, then?" I can hear a faltering smile in her voice, and that makes me smile. "I don't need your sick hospitality. Don't come near me, don't talk to me unless I talk to you, and don't even think about me! Where is my room?" She sighs and rolls herself down the hall, motioning for me to follow. I notice how tidy the rooms are as I look around more, she must have had someone really good come in here to get it looking so good. At least it isn't a shithole.

          Finally, she points at a door that is opposite of another door on the other side of the hall. "This is your room, mine is opposite of yours. Let me know if you need anything, and I hope you are able to get your stuff moved in easily." She shuffles around in her chair as she explains, but I can't help but feel frustrated, "You can act polite all you want, but it won't change a thing."

          I feel my brows furrow in growing annoyance and I enter my room, slamming the door in her face, I can hear a faint voice on the other side call out to me, saddened, "Your steak will be in the oven if you get hungry, Kian." I can't believe the audacity she has to use my first name and say it like she knows me or something . . .