SARIEL KNEW HE DIDN'T FIT IN.
He found himself on the last seat in the very last row, placing him in the seventh chair, right next to the copying machine. The other parents avoided him, as if he was contagious.
The speaker was a cheerful woman in a pantsuit, and she seemed to be the only source of positive feelings in the room, like a bright flame in a dark, heavy forest.
“Good morning, everyone,” she began, spreading her arms out in an almost condescending gesture, “It is with my deepest sorrow that I was asked to come here and speak. I hope today begins your road to recovery, and you can move on from this tragedy. My name is Melissa Carpenter, and I will be working with you for the next couple weeks.”
Melissa’s voice was loud but monotonous, and Sariel found his attention slipping, instead focusing on the figure in the corner of the room. Judas was the only member of the audience that remained standing, arms placed behind his back and a knowing smile on his lips. He stared intently at Sariel, eyes trained on him like a bird of prey.
He still had no idea what to make of it. Why had Judas been at his house? What happened at school that night?
How Judas know his name?
“I think the most important thing to keep in mind when a tragedy like this happens is your faith. Your children are in a better place now, in the hands of the Lord.”
Sariel tore his eyes away from Judas, tuning Melissa back in. He clenched his hands together, dry skin becoming damp with sweat.
God, if you're out there, Sariel thought, his heart pounding in his chest, please take care of Alzar.
YOU ARE READING
World Eater
Horror**1ST PLACE FEATURED IN HORROR 8-31** Alzar's mind wasn't the only thing that was falling apart. ---- After an emotional outburst lands him in the principal's office, Alzar Lorne forced into a series of in-depth sessions with the school's new counse...
