Hunger #Wattys2017

My Understandings

Light shined through Connor's window. Striking his face, he groaned and put covers over it.

A subtle knock was at his room door. It creaked open, his mother stepped into the room and walked by his bed.

"Connor...Connor sweetie it's time for school." she said while gently nudging him.

"I don't want to go." Connor choked.

"Connor I care about you, but I also care about your education, so please get out of bed." his mother said while yanking the covers off of him.

He was rolled up in a ball, his head tucked into his body, and his fists were clenched tight.

His mother let out a soft, worried gasp.

"Connor..."

He sniffled and faced towards her.

"I ate them mom...I ATE THEM!" he whimpered then yelled, then bawled while unclenching one of his fists to reveal Judith's hair tie.

His mother picked it up, gave it a close examination, and gave it back to him.

"I'm sorry..." she told him.

"I know I still have to go to school." Connor mumbled then let out a long, depressed sigh. "Please leave so I can get ready..."

His mother nodded as a sign of understanding left the room and closed the door.

-

Aloof, disturbed, it was like his soul was leaving his body as he got himself dressed, walked into the kitchen and slowly and mindlessly ate his breakfast.

It was hard for him to swallow for his conscience was constantly bugging him, but he managed to choke down his food, grab his backpack, and head out the door to start his walk to school.

During his walk, his head was hung low, his steps slow, a hand weakly clutched on a backpack strap.

A certain someone with red and pink was quietly following behind him, hoping to surprise him.

Connor turned around, a huge smile crossed his face.

"Hello love." Henry said with a smile.

"Henry!" Connor said excitedly and hugged him tight. Tears of joy were rolling down his face when they parted.

"What's wrong?" Henry asked with concern in his voice.

"My friends...if you're here, than they are too!" Connor said.

"I did see them heading to school this morning." Henry said with a confused chuckle.

"Really?!" Connor beamed.

"Yes. I was on my way to check on you because you weren't with them."

Connor's face lit up more with joy. He hugged Henry tight again, more happy tears fell from his cheeks. He parted from him then kissed him on the lips.

Henry's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Connor broke the kiss before saying "Thank you" and running the rest of the way to school.

Henry watched him run.

"Well hot damn..." he uttered. "I think I'm gonna like this kid..."

-

The morning bell rang for everyone to fleet into Karina Bell.

Judith and Sherri were steadily dragging their feet towards the school building. Frowns and tears were on their faces, until a familiar voice was calling them in the distance. They both turned their bodies quickly, their faces beamed.