Hope & Hell

Chapter 2 - Humane

The parking ground isn't exactly the stereotypical ground one would imagine it to be. Rather it was a narrow road, just big enough to fit one school bus at a time which led to the west exit of the school. It was right next to the large assembly hall. The assembly hall was an open area covered by a rectangularly flat roof with multiple ceiling fans. It could accommodate almost three-fourths of the school for the morning assemblies. One must pass through the assembly hall to reach the parking ground. Thus it provided a space for students to talk, wait for parents or even play around during dispersal times. 

Celene and Luna were getting closer to the assembly hall when they suddenly skidded to a halt. They had encountered a horrendous sight.

A body.

A motionless body with its leg almost amputated in a pool of blood. 

Luna clasped her hand over her mouth while Celene's eyes widened with disbelief.  The duo quickly realised it was none other than Luna's psychology teacher Mrs Smith, who was the victim of this brutal attack. 

Another scream echoed from the assembly hall. Celene walked around the body of Mrs Smith without saying a word to take a look at what was happening out there. 

A few teachers rushed to the scene. Their eyes widened as they took in the sight and there was a brief exchange of glances filled with unspoken questions and dread.

The teachers quickly took hold of themselves because of the screams and went towards the assembly ground. 

Luna stood there, staring at the Mrs Smith. She was unable to move. 

Mrs. Smith was far from being Luna's favourite teacher, but she left a lasting impression on Luna by being the first to call her "humane." It sounds rather trivial. What's so special about being called humane? It is a word used to describe tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, qualities precious when directed towards those who suffer. 

Mrs. Smith once said, "Being humane is the core element, a character an excellent psychologist must possess." 

Luna had always wanted to help people suffering from invisible burdens - facing numerous symptoms without a physical illness. Mental health was a complete joke to the people in her community. Being mentally ill was considered to be a weakness, something to be hidden away rather than addressed. Despite her passion, Luna doubted her ability to make a difference as a psychologist under such circumstances but her teacher changed her mind. 

Mrs Smith will now never know that she was the reason why  Luna was going to major in psychology. 

A distant voice called her name but Luna was too lost in her own mind to notice that it was Celene shouting her name. Suddenly, Celene grabbed Luna's wrist, yanking her in the opposite direction. 

The urgency in Celene's eyes pierced through Luna's daze, snapping her back to reality as they started to run.