Journey

12: Absence (H)

A few days have passed by since then.

As the final bell reverberates through the corridors, signaling the conclusion of yet another relentless school day, I can't help but feel a wave of exhaustion wash over me; the teacher seems to be in no rush to wrap up his lesson, his voice droning on as if time has frozen within the confines of the classroom.

"So, everyone, that's where the loop of Henle comes in..."

I glance around, observing my classmates with a mix of weariness and anticipation. Some are hastily packing their bags, eager to escape the grasp of the classroom and embrace the freedom that comes with the end of the school day.

Others, like me, wear expressions of resignation, knowing that we'll have to endure a few more minutes of academic drudgery before we're set free.

The fluorescent lights overhead cast a harsh glare, contrasting with the dimming natural light filtering in through the windows. The air is stale, filled with the scent of chalk and paper, a familiar yet unwelcome reminder of the hours spent here.

I shift in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable position as I wait for the teacher to finally dismiss us. The minutes tick by slowly, each second feeling like an eternity as I count down the moments until I can leave this place behind for the day.

Outside, I can hear the muffled sounds of students chatting and laughing, like a pitiful joke to the subdued atmosphere within the classroom. The promise of freedom beckons, but it's just out of reach, taunting me with its proximity.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the teacher concludes his lesson with a hurried reminder about tomorrow's assignment. The relief that washes over the class is palpable, a collective sigh of freedom as we gather our belongings and prepare to leave.

With my bag slung over my shoulder, I join the stream of students exiting the classroom, eager to leave the monotony of school behind for a while. As I step into the bustling hallway, I can't help but feel a sense of liberation mingled with anticipation. It's been a long week, but now I have the chance to break free from the routine and do something meaningful.

As I step out of the classroom and into the bustling hallway, I'm greeted by the familiar sight of students rushing, voices blending into a cacophony of chatter. I navigate through the crowd, my eyes scanning the faces around me, searching for a familiar one.

Just as I round a corner, I spot Jess emerging from a classroom, her expression a mix of relief and weariness. Her eyes light up as she sees me, and she quickens her pace to catch up.

"Hussaiba! Hey!" Jess calls out, waving to get my attention.

I smile in response, relieved to see a friendly face amidst the chaos of the school hallway. "Hey, Jess! How was your day?"

Jess lets out a dramatic sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Goddamn long, as usual. I'm so ready for the weekend... and another cup of iced caramel macchiato."

I nod in agreement, feeling the weight of the school week pressing down on me as well. "Tell me about it. But hey, I was thinking, do you want to come with me to visit Omar at the hospital today? I feel like it's been too long since I've seen him."

Jess's eyes widen in surprise and then soften with understanding. "Of course, Hussaiba. I've been meaning to visit him too. Let's go together."

A sense of relief washes over me, knowing that I won't be facing this emotional journey alone. "Great! Let's head over to your place first, and then we can go to the hospital from there."

Jess nods, falling into step beside me as we make our way through the bustling hallway, our conversation turning to lighter topics as we anticipate our visit to Omar.