Dark and light: The Shadows

chapter 17

"What are you thinking about?" Kari appeared beside him and then took a seat.

"Life. It's wild. Those classes nearly beat my ass." Abosk shook his head.

"Deadass," Kari mumbled and rubbed her temples. "And we're on spring break just like that, huh?"

"Crazy. God, I'm only looking forward to this trip we have planned." Abosk leaned his head back.

"Oooo, where are you heading to now? Another island?" Kari wiggled her brows, and Abosk sat up a bit.

"I'm not sure if we'll be staying near an island, but we will be in a country as good as that. Brazil." He moved his hands in a way you'd expect the words to appear between the space. 

"Ooo!! very theatrical!" Kari laughed, "I'm so jealous. That place is on my bucket list. I love the rich culture, the history of the Amazon, and the people inhabiting it. The People's jewelry that I've seen. Getting multiple African jewelry and Brasileiro jewellery makes me feel like I've made it... being close to such strong cultures." A sigh escaped, and a smile appeared.

"I'm sure you'll get many opportunities to do so. You're in the exchange programme. I strongly feel like you'll get good opportunities, too." Abosk patted her shoulder and smiled, lowering his propped foot. Her enthusiasm reminded him of Kiruk-Nai's enthusiasm for exploring culture. He'd make sure to get souvenirs for both of them if his partner couldn't accompany them. 

"Haha, yeah. You've never been wrong about stuff, so I trust you on that... Man, I can't wait." She bounced on her seat slightly before looking at her watch. "Oh shit. The debriefing thing is now in the auditorium. Gonna go or skip out on this one, too?"

"I had something important last break." Abosk put his hands up in defense while standing up.

"Mmmmhmmm. Let's go then. I gotta get a good look at my teacher crush before we go." Kari held her hands to her chest, dramatically shaking her head. As if to say: "The tragedy, if I do not. A sad world, it would cave in on itself."

Abosk shook his head and chuckled. It was still a bit early. He knew she loved to be punctual. Being early meant more seat options, though. And some more sleep to catch up on. Mid-semester test prep took a chunk of energy out of him. He would not use telekinesis for a few days. Otherwise, he was sure he'd end up in a coma-like state. Storm said he's overreacting for a 16-hour nap, and he says that's six hours too many. 

While they waited in the auditorium, the two classmates became Mr and Ms Yaps-a-lot. The topics were educational, but they were nearly the most prominent talkers. They soon became the central speakers in the conversation within a group of students. Abosk couldn't feel any more proud of himself at that moment. He thought he could be a teacher. Then he thought about unruly kids. And said, "Yeah, Nah. Fuck them kids."

They slowly paid attention to the front. The dean got on with her welcoming speech and congratulations on the hard work done for the semester. Abosk had his eyes set straight on her, but he was really just thinking of the getaway that awaited his family. He loved having an education, and he loved relaxing. And he wanted nothing to do with the other if one was in front of him. Long story short, his mind was already in the vehicle driving to the airport. He subtracted the night at home. He already had it planned out. He also knew he'd participate in whatever community sport was occurring in the evenings. He was sure his foot was good for tennis when he got back. 

"Bro, are you listening?" Kari's voice rang him back into the room. 

He shook his head and fixed his posture slightly. The room was murmuring a bit. He saw everyone looking at each other. Before he could ask, the Dean hushed the audience. Once most were settled the announcer, a man Abosk didn't recognize, continued his message.