5 Days

“Do you really think we’d be proud of these grades?” my mom shouted, her voice sharp as she tore the test papers in half. The sound of the paper ripping was harsh, echoing in the room. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my voice steady, but all I managed to say, barely above a whisper, was, “I did my best.”

She didn’t hear me. Or maybe she didn’t care to.

I ran to my bedroom and locked the door behind me. The sting of her words hung in the air, but I couldn’t think about them now. Not right now. I collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind blank except for one thought. I’m tired.

[Ringtone]

The sound of my phone vibrating on the desk cut through the quiet. I reached for it, already knowing who it was. A message from Marylle, my girlfriend. I tapped on the screen and started typing, telling her about the argument, about how my mom had ripped up my tests and said I was a disappointment. Marylle always listened, always had the right words. As I typed out my goodnight, I felt the weight of it all pressing down on me. I’m so lucky to have her. I hope she never leaves me. My chest tightened, and before I realized it, tears blurred my vision.

The next morning, I woke up with a jolt, my mind still hazy from the night before. I grabbed my phone and sent Marylle a quick message. “Good morning.” I stared at the screen, waiting for a reply. Minutes passed, and still nothing. I sent another text, “Going to school now. I’ll wait for you at the entrance.”

When I got to the entrance, I heard a familiar voice call out, “Sean! I’m here!” I turned and saw Marylle, her smile bright and infectious. My heart felt lighter just seeing her. I ran over, her presence instantly washing away the heaviness of the morning.

We walked to class together, sneaking in just as the lesson started. We found our seats next to Kian and Princess, the usual crew.

“Ugh, this is so boring,” Kian muttered under his breath.

I stifled a laugh, leaning over. “Right? I don’t get any of this.” We both chuckled quietly, just trying to make it through the lecture.

After school, Marylle and I hit the arcade, spending hours competing in games until the sun began to dip behind the horizon. We walked down the quiet road back toward her house, our laughter mingling with the cool evening air.

“Sean,” she asked suddenly, her voice soft, “what do you want to be when you grow up?”

I thought for a moment, the answer coming easily. “An animator, I think.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, really? I thought you wanted to be an engineer.”

I shrugged. “Nah. That’s what my mom wants. I just… I don’t know. I’ve always liked creating things.”

She smiled, but I could see the worry in her eyes. “I think you’d be a great animator.”

We arrived at her house, and she turned to face me. “See you tomorrow, take care. I love you!” She waved as she disappeared inside.

“I love you too,” I called after her, smiling despite the knot forming in my chest.

By the time I made it back home, it was late. Too late. I glanced at my phone—10 p.m. Oh no.

As I reached for the door, it swung open, and there was my mom, her face stern, her eyes hard. “Do you even know what time it is?”

“I’m sorry, I was with Marylle. We lost track of time,” I said, my voice small, knowing what was coming.