Katherine's Journal · Erick Brian Colón

Entry Eleven

April 18th, 2016

Dear Erick,

You weren't at school for the past two days and I had been worried. Maybe I shouldn't have been worried? From time to time everybody would miss a day or two of school. I kept trying to remind myself that you didn't even have a major spot in my life for me to be wondering where you are and to ask if you're okay. I just couldn't help that you had become the center of my attention, especially at school.

But all my worries about your absence then flushed away the moment you stepped into our English class. I hadn't even seen you at lunch today or through the hallways, so it was a surprise that you showed up to your least favorite class. You had just stumbled in when Ms. Green was already giving us our next assignment, just minutes after the bell had rung. As you walked in she handed you a copy of the assignment and you gradually reached to accept the multiple handouts. You then took your usual spot next to me and I instantly felt relieved to have you by my side.

Ms. Green proceeded to give us further instructions. Our assignment was that we had to read and analyze an article and then write an essay about our findings. I thought it would be a piece of cake but you, on the other hand, made a sour face at the thin pile of papers laid out in front of you. Afterward, the lively teacher clapped her hands together and announced that we were going to the computer lab to get a head start on our essays.

"You okay?" I asked you as I got up from my chair, slipping the copy of the article inside my binder.

"Couldn't be better." You basically mumbled and then breathed out a heavy sigh.

Most of our classmates were already out the door, headed towards the computer lab, while you still sat lazily in your seat, almost unfazed. I had taken my time to gather my things because I had hoped we would walk out together. As I dangled my bag from my shoulder and made my way towards the door I asked you: "Are you coming?"

You sat still until you turned your head and your somber gaze looked in my direction. I had noticed the new bags under your dreamy eyes. The usual light in them was nowhere to be seen and your hair looked unkempt which was unusual.

"I don't have much of a choice now, do I?" You said without much emotion. Hesitantly you stood up and hung one of your backpack straps on your shoulder and swiped the papers off your desk.

As I saw that you were walking towards the door I began to do the same and as I went to reach for the door handle you managed to get to it before I did. You turned the knob and opened the door, turning to me you shot me a weak grin.

"Thank you." I said, my cheeks growing warm with blush. Without much of a choice, you fell in step with me as we both walked in the same direction towards the computer lab. I wanted to know why you looked so down lately, what was the cause behind your sad appearance. I couldn't stay silent. I had to make some sort of move for once at least.

"How come you haven't been at school for the last two days?" I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"You noticed?" You inquired, even sounding surprised.

I tensed up, immediately regretting that I had even asked you in the first place. The thought of you thinking that I was weird crossed my mind. I let out a shaky breath, hoping you wouldn't be able to tell. "I mean yeah... you do sit by me in class you know?" I squeezed the binder in my arms closer to my chest, looking down at the floor as we continued to walk.

"Right, right." You simply nodded your head. "I, uh--" you paused, a dry cough cutting off your speech. "I caught a cold. Nothing too serious." You sniffled, a quiet groan escaping your lips.