𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇.

thirty-seven.

𝐤𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞 𝐣. 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬
𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 || 𝙱𝙰𝚃𝙾𝙽 𝚁𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙴, 𝙻𝙰.
-

I stared at the notebook in front of me trying my hardest to think of ideas to write on the page but I came up blank. I looked around the classroom searching for anything that could give me an idea on where to start for my valedictorian speech but absolutely nothing came to mind.

Neno, who I still wasn't speaking to yet sleeping next to every night sat behind me in the class, focused on what the teacher was saying and taking notes. I was zoned out and my mind was elsewhere, I could care less about the composition class that I was in.

The spot next to me was the spot that Kha was assigned while he was still here. Now, it had notes to him and teddy bears on the seat being a silent tribute to him that should've been right here alongside us walking the stage in the next month.

I wanted to find a way to incorporate him into my speech because he deserved that acknowledgment.

"As you know, finals season is approaching in the next three weeks. Don't get distracted by the excitement for prom and fail this class. Because hopefully as you all know, this class is a requirement to graduate." Mr. Sims addressed everyone.

Only two classes that I was taking were required to graduate. Which was composition and calculus, the rest were just electives to fill up my schedule.

"The final will be a hundred questions multiple choice and if you do the study guide it should be relatively easy for you." He stated, passing out the thick study guide.

I rolled my eyes and put it into my folder, going back to staring at the blank page of notebook paper in front of me like I was before.

"Dear class.." I started, huffing once I heard the bell ring.

I grabbed my belongings so that I could leave and get to my next class which was fashion design. Before I could exit the classroom and nearly bump shoulders with Neno, Mr. Sims called my name. I sighed and turned back around, walking up to his desk so I could see what it was that he wanted.

"Yes?" I asked looking at him while he looked at me with pity written all over his face.

I know where this conversation is going.

"I just wanted to check in with you and make sure that you're doing alright. I know that you and Khayri were extremely close, like literally two peas in a pod. And I know that you're still grieving the loss of your mother and everything,"

"You're extremely quiet in class now, often zoned out I noticed. And you're work lately hasn't been reflecting the student that you really are," He frowned and grabbed my most recent paper, my eyes widening once I saw that I had received an F on it.

"I want to give you the chance to rewrite this. I will also give you a week extension on the minor assignments that you have missing right now. But if anything, please just take care of yourself Kacie." He looked at me and handed me the failed paper.

My heart was heavy as I just nodded and gave him a silent thank you, quickly leaving the classroom so that I could break down into tears in the bathroom. I felt so weak and unlike myself, I had never felt so vulnerable in my entire existence.