Anamnesis

three

300

        Ms. Parker sat at her desk, her manicured hands wrapped around a half-full, styrofoam cup of coffee. She set it down as I entered the room, a smear of red lipstick along the rim.

        "Good morning. What can I help you with~" she hesitated, glancing at the attendance sheets open on her desktop.

        "Adrian. Lynnwood, ma'am." I answered, saving her from the silence.

        "Adrian, right. What can I help you with Adrian?"

        "I'm coming from Mrs. Brimms' classroom, I wasn't feeling well so she sent me here to get a sick note to go home."

        The lies just tumbled out, my story building in my mind as the excuses fell.
        "Oh, that's fine dear, I'll just write you out a pass. Do you have a vehicle here, or do you need to make a call?"

        "I have a car."
    Ms. Parker's fingers wavered over her keyboard, her hands shaking slightly with the excess of caffeine. The keys clicked and clacked as she typed, each migraine causing tap making my teeth clench.

        The printer behind her sputtered to life, a thin sheet of ivory paper slipping from the lid of the machine. Ms. Parker handed me my pass, and I left the room. She watched me as I scanned it against the inner door frame camera, a sharp beep answering me as the door gradually slid open.

        I slowed my pace, feeling Ms.Parker's eyes against my back. I scanned the pass again, the beep signifying only one thing in my mind.
        Freedom.

        I was free. The cool, early afternoon air leaving a slight smile to my face.
        I was free. The classrooms and teachers behind me.
        I was free. The students and uncertainty behind me.

         I was free, and all it took was a little white lie.