Breathe For Me

CHAPTER 6

GABRIEL

I dont remember how I picked up the nickname "The Gentle Giant," I just know that at some point in 10th grade, it had become my official title. At the time, I was about six-foot-four and showing no signs of slowing down. Katie used to laugh when people called me that  saying, "If all humans are a minority of giants stumbling around in a world of little things, then I'm glad the gentle one is on my side." And she knew she could always count on me to be at her side. Well, until now.

I stare at the girl with the black hair and high cheekbones. She looks a lot like Katie, except older, and without the pink highlights Katie added to her hair with a little while back. The familiarity hits me with nostalgia a lot stronger than I'd anticipated- as does the accute reminder that I may never see Katie again. The girl notices me staring and I look away. I have a sheet with the number 8 taped to my shirt and I look around for the couple who should be holding up an identical sheet. I think back to what I was told about them. I know they have a daughter and that they hold government positions. I suppose  I should consider myself lucky that I was placed into a family with above average means, but all I want is to go back to the family I had left behind. 

I take a deep breath to steady myself and marvel at the amount of condensation that forms as I breath back out. I watch as the people around me jostle each other to get their belongings and find their new families. I didn't come with much so I have everything I own on me. I hold my luggage closer to my chest as I come to the sudden realization that this over-used duffel bag is all I have left of my past life. I take another deep breath. 

I move aside as people push past me and begin feeling more than a little lost. I startle when I feel a tap on my shoulder and look down at the same girl I had been unintentionally staring at earlier.  Up close she doesn't look at all like Katie and for some reason I feel relieved. 

"You're Gabriel?" She asks almost shyly.

I want to ask her how she knows my name and if hers was the family I'd be joining. But I know that I had sworn a vow of silence for the people I had left behind, so I hold back. Instead, I simply nod at her and hold out my hand for her to shake. She takes it hesitantly and we shake. 

"Those are my parents," she nods to her right at a pair of individuals conversing with two little Asian girls. "They're very excited to meet you." 

I nod again and smile at her.

"You don't talk much, do you?" 

I shake my head no and shrug. I point to my mouth and motion that I can't speak. She seems to understand and says, "Well, let's go introduce you then."

"My name is  Sara by the way," she says over her shoulder.

I give her a thumbs up, to indicate that I heard her, but she doesn't see me. So I just follow her and assume she knows.

Sara was an unfamiliar name to me. A biblical one, but quite outdated. 

I decide I like the name Sara.