The Lonely Moon

The kid in the back

I woke up the next morning how I always do, scared for a second, but quick to get over it, emotions only cause pain, especially with nightmares. I got out of bed and my normal plate of warm food was on my desk. My mom always makes sure I have breakfast before she leaves because she and dad leave for work in the early morning hours. After eating and getting dressed, I decide to take the long way to school, even though it will make me late, I don't rush to make it in time. I always have the same leasuirly pace when I walk anywhere. Once I make it to the classroom, the teacher rushes me in and scolds me for being late, I simply listen and then go to my desk. I sit in the very far back corner by the window, either sleeping or staring out the window during class. I never answer any questions, or do anything to draw attention to myself, but every once in a while, I'll hear someone say to another, "Why does that guy in the back wear half a mask, is something wrong with his face?" I pay no attention to any of it, frankly I don't care. The bell rings for class to be over. I gather up my things and make my way to the door, but as I'm walking towards the door the teacher calls me back. He talks to me in a hushed tone, so no one else hears, "John, what's going on, you usually at least pay attention in class for part of it. Oh wait, is today.... that day?" I just look at him, with a emotionless stare and simply say, "Yes." Of course, that's right, all the staff members know about that. The teacher looks sympathetic and says, "Well, I'll let it go for today, take tomorrow off, you need some time." I was already planning on skipping school the next day anyways, but now that I have permission, I have no doubt in my mind. I can't let anyone know my secret. I walk out the door and down the hallway, the way I always go to leave school, but as I walk out I hear a voice call my name, I don't know where, or who, but I don't bother to try and figure out who it was, I just want to go to the lookout. So I can gaze upon the only thing that matters to me, that moon that I love.