wordsmith's manuscript

Chapter 5

I woke up startled and cold, where was I? I struggled to get up, still holding a paper soaked in alcohol. With the help of the furniture, I managed to stand up and put my hand on my head, feeling dizzy from getting up. I held on firmly to avoid falling and passing out again.

A few seconds later, I was able to walk. I saw the day, it was already daytime, with a few scattered clouds and drizzles. I was probably late for class, yes... I knew I was, but I didn't bother to check the time.

I rubbed my eyes feeling awful and walked to my mother's room, sighing with relief to see her sleeping there. I tucked her in the sheets and went downstairs, preparing a mixed sandwich, some cut fruits in a bowl, a glass of water, and another one with fresh juice. All on a tray, and to top it off, a pill. I knew she had probably drunk too much, her clothes smelled of alcohol, and it always feels good to have someone take care of us when we're at our worst.

I went back upstairs and placed the food on the bedside table.

-Mom? Good morning... - I shook her shoulder lightly. -Mom?

-Oh... - She opened her eyes with difficulty. - Orion?

-Yes, I brought breakfast, okay?

-What time is it? You... - She sighed, trying to wake up. - You shouldn't be skipping school.

-I... I didn't go today.

-What happened to you?

-What do you mean?

-Your eyes are a little swollen, were you crying?

-No... I was up all night writing, sorry.

-Oh, it's okay. - She reached out and stroked my cheek. - Take care of yourself, okay?

-Yeah... And Mom?

-Yes?

-I have good news.

-What?

-I got you a job interview! A job interview!

She didn't respond to my excitement, oh...

-Orion... What did you do?

-It's at a store, I bet you'll get the job, please...

-I don't want it.

-You won't make easy money, I respect all jobs, but please, it's dangerous, I don't want you in danger.

-Orion... I don't want to talk about it right now.

-Then eat, okay? I'll come back to take your tray.

She muttered a "thank you" and I left the room. I returned to the kitchen and sat watching the clock's hands move, somehow I wasn't hungry...

But still, I made myself a coffee and stayed in the room with music playing, wrapped in a blanket and sitting on the bed, with the warm cup warming my palms and my gaze on the window, where the droplets competed to see who would slide down first.

That's how I stayed for half an hour, feeling a little better and my body thanking me for having something to eat, especially because it was warm and I was finally comfortable.

Later on, I ended up taking her tray from her room and kissing her forehead when I noticed she had fallen asleep again.

I made lunch, using the leftovers from the leftovers of the leftovers from I don't know when, since they were no longer edible. So I prepared pasta with some spices, healthy and meatless, because meat was expensive and we didn't have any at home. I boiled some mushrooms and broccoli. Then, while the pasta finished cooking, I cut some fruit to make a fruit salad and put it in the fridge, so there would be a snack ready whenever one of us wanted to eat.

I turned off the stove and mixed the sauce with the pasta, mushrooms, and broccoli, added a little more salt, and set the table, even though I knew I would end up eating alone in the corner of the room.

***

I confess that at night I considered going to the club, but my stomach revolted and prevented me from leaving the house. So, I ended up staying curled up in my bed, hugging a pillow and with the warm blankets, my gaze fixed on the window that was still being soaked by the sky and allowing my eyes to close earlier than usual. I think it was a little past nine at night, but I didn't care...

And yes, maybe I won't go to school tomorrow either... And if I happen to skip it, it will be for a good reason and no one has the right to judge me... I suppose...

I'm lost.