A Rift Between Us

Chapter 57 - Ready Or Not

Alfie's spoon rested idly in his hand, flecks of milk-soaked cereal clinging to the sides of his bowl. His eyes, despondent, stared blankly into the void. Across the kitchen, clangs and thuds echoed as Aggnus gathered various ingredients, occasionally glancing over at him.

"Oh, little lamb, don't be so gloomy! You've passed these exams with flying colours. I'm sure of it." A confident grin spread across her face as she juggled some vegetables. "Do you really think I'd be preparing a celebratory meal if you didn't pass?"

A jangle echoed through the kitchen as Alfie's spoon dropped into his bowl, splashing milk over the table.

"Mum, I didn't get to revise enough after the day we got sent home early. We were supposed to revise ICT next, but then that stupid blackout happened."

His bowl glided forward as he pushed it, the friction lessened by the spilt milk. He ran his fingers through his hair, taking a deep breath. A look of pity crept onto Aggnus' face. She set the vegetables on the counter, freeing her arms. With deliberate steps, she moved towards him.

"Ohhh, Alfie, stop worrying so much!" She tenderly stroked his shoulder. "You revised plenty. You even wanted to revise when you were sick. You're too much sometimes."

Her hand adjusted his tie, pulling the knot closer to his neck, a proud smile spreading across her face.

"Lovely, you look smart as always. Now quickly finish up this cereal and go grab those exam results from school." Her thumb pressed against the tie knot, ensuring it was well in place. "Hurry now."

Alfie's blazer button dangled precariously, worn from years of use and practically pointless. He took a deep breath, watching as it finally popped out. His eyes met his mother's, a trace of uncertainty still lingering in his gaze.

"You'll be fiiiinne, just relax." She patted his head before stepping away.

Her hands rested on her hips as she looked through the vegetables. Alfie rammed down the last mouthful of cereal, pouring the remaining contents down his throat. He set the bowl on its edge, watching it twirled like a top, devoid of even a droplet of milk. His hand reached for his backpack. With a sweeping motion, he flung it onto his back. The chair screeched across the floor as he tucked it in.

"I'll text you my results later. I'm heading out now."

Her head spun towards him for a second as her knife clattered onto the chopping board.

"Alright then, love you! The celebration will begin when you return, okay?"

The carrot slices piled up as she continued to dice, brushing them away periodically.

Engines roared like famished lions as cars raced along the road ahead of Sterling Heights. The roads teemed with an unusual bustle, casting a veil of smog that seeped into Alfie's lungs. His chest heaved instinctively as he dashed across the street. A white pop-up gazebo stood on the school grounds, close to the flower beds. Beneath it lay a desk, borrowed from within the school, heaped with a mound of envelopes. Alfie squinted at the sight.

Hundreds of students were already there, some lined up, some not. A few of the invigilators from the exam hall were present, handing the results out to each student.

Oh my days...so this is it?

The crunching of gravel beneath his feet stopped, his legs turning to jelly as he stood.

No...I can't do this. I couldn't have passed ICT. English, maybe? Maths? Science? I don't know.

His eyes scanned the students as they took their envelopes one by one. Some were messing around with each other, while others struggled to open them without ripping the contents. Sweat plastered his palms as he observed the scene, a single thought materialising in his mind.

Mum. Let's hope you're right...