1977- a short story

4

White shirts were dangerous. Lillian didn't own many, darker shades were her preference. However, today they were all being washed. She resorted to a cream colored blouse with somewhat thin fabric that usually dwelled in the back of her wardrobe.

Stumbling down the sagging porch steps the chilly morning breeze made its way through the shirt with ease. Angry at herself, for forgetting a jacket, she refused to go back and retrieve one. She argued with herself, citing the lack of time available as a reason to continue her usual morning journey.

Misery increased as the walk dragged on. The straps of her backpack chaffed her raw shoulders and the sting that resulted was somewhat similar to the cold biting at her fingers and nose.

Lillian became aware of her increasing heart rate, in a state of distress for no particular reason. It was probable that more than one thing was a component of her discomfort.

Huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf, she walked with diligence through the school entrance. The warmth of the indoors almost made the dull walls and hallways enticing. Almost.

Humming the melody of a song she forgot the title though was difficult as her teeth chattered.

"Wow I like that shirt.", said Phoebe when she made it to her friends' little corner in the commons.

"Lillian's going through another phase.", Ellen, another one of her companions predicted.

Lillian rolled her eyes, recalling when she went though a phase of wearing yellow everything. That trendy, mellow, golden color that was being painted on walls, and carpet and accessories and furniture. "Or I just didn't ave anything else to wear today", she corrected.

"I prefer the former.", said Ellen, never breaking her gaze with her book.

"You look freezing. Do you even have-", Phoebe stopped in the middle of her sentence, second guessing her words. She knew of Lillian's family's financial situation.

Lillian knew what her question originally was. "Yes I do actually have a jacket. I just forgot it in a hurry."

"Oh, ok.", Phoebe smiled at the ground.

"You know how forgetful I am.", Lillian sensed her passive taunting.

Both their smiles silently radiated off each other and the sense of comfort with each other had some part in warming Lillian up after her harrowing walk.