the one i should love

one

one minute.

all it took for me to be late.

sixty seconds.

luckily today, my father is too drunk to realize

i quietly rush down the stairs,

eager to avoid my father.

for once, I actually manage to grab breakfast

i also manage to sneak more food than just that

today i got an apple and waffles

i grab my key to the house and run outside

the sharp edge of a bitter wind stabs into my sweatshirt,

permeating my body.

i spot a girl, looking cold as ice.

something draws me to this one, specific.

whether it be her light skin,

light brown hair,

or her blue hooded eyes,

i couldn't tell.

i feel my feet propel me forward until i'm beside her

i pray she won't notice my bruises or scars,

and that i don't have any to begin with,

and take off my sweatshirt.

i gently wrap it around her shoulders,

and she looks back at me noticeably caught off guard

she pauses for a second to bow to me in thanks,

and we continue on our way to school.

and for once, i don't feel so alone.

i don't notice that we've gotten very close until she stops.

she returns my sweatshirt and looks at my arms.

she lightly pulls up her sleeve, and reveals similar marks.

a gentle smile appears, but it's seemingly empty.

she allows one sentence to escape her lips.

"thank you, no one has done that for me before,

and your secret is safe with me."

again, she bows,

and like the wind that sends chills down my body,

she is gone.