FEEL SO HIGH SCHOOL (WinRina)

6

"What kind of school event is it, anyway?" I asked Rosie as we stood outside, grilling some meat. The sizzling sounds and the smell of charcoal filled the air. She shrugged, "It's called a Kindergarten Talent Showcase or something," she replied casually. "They've been preparing for it these past few days. Ella's class is going to sing."

Then suddenly it clicked-Ella had been talking to me about singing a song at school. I thought she was just playing around so I didn't pay attention that much to it, but it turns out it was for her school event.

As my thoughts wandered, I found myself glancing towards the house and through the sliding glass door, I could see Jennie and Ella curled up together on the sofa, both sleeping peacefully. She'd been quiet ever since she and Rosie came home. Jennie's arm wrapped protectively around Ella's little body. It was Jennie who had asked Ella to cuddle, and the way she held on to her felt like she was trying to find some comfort in her daughter.

"How's Jennie doing?"

Rosie's face softened, her eyes clouded with concern. "She's not... really okay. Jennie had a patient she'd been looking after for a long time," she said quietly. "But he didn't make it this time. He had complications with his heart, and you know, that kind of thing is inevitable in her line of work. But it never gets easier for her, no matter how many times she encounters these kinds of circumstances."

I nodded, understanding the toll Jennie's work often took on her. Rosie took a deep breath and looked over at me. "I was thinking... maybe you could take Ella to school again for the next few days? I'm planning to spend some time with Jennie, take her out on a date or something, just to get her mind off things."

I smiled at the suggestion. "You beat me to it," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "I was about to offer to take Ella to school this week since I can go out now without wearing eye patches"

Rosie raised an eyebrow and gave me a teasing look. "Why does my little sister seem so eager, huh?"

"Stop it," I shot back, rolling my eyes, already knowing where she was going with that tone.

---

The next day, I took Ella to school. I checked myself in the mirror to see if my outfit was decent enough for Teacher Yu and appropriate enough inside the school premises. I was probably the least favorite student in my class back then because I often bend the rules and didn't usually follow my teacher. However, I did stick to the rule of wearing my uniform. Unfortunately for Teacher Yu, she won't be seeing me in anything too daring. Satisfied that I looked presentable, I grabbed Ella's bag and called her out.

We walked hand in hand toward her classroom, the air crisp and cool. But as soon as Ella spotted her friend Lucio, she let go of my hand and took off running. "Ella, don't run you might-" before I could finish my sentence she was already stumbling to the ground.

I hurried over to her side, crouching down to help her up. At first, she seemed okay but then she noticed the small scrape on her knee, and the tears began flowing almost instantly.

Oh my God. She is definitely Rosie's daughter! Freaking out over the tiniest bit of blood.

Lucio tried to comfort her with quiet reassurance, "It's okay, Ella..." Before I could add anything else to that, a calm voice broke in.

"Let's take care of that, Ella," Teacher Yu said, suddenly appearing beside us. She crouched down, offering her hand. "I have some colorful band-aids that might help. How about that?"

Ella, still sniffling, nodded and took Teacher Yu's hand while holding onto mine tightly. I began to reassure Ella that I had to go, that Teacher Yu will take care of it but she clung to me, her small fingers gripping tighter.