Repairing Our Relationship

6

North Korea POV

Every period was worst than the last. The news that I couldn't read English spread like wild fire. All throughout the day, countries whispered and laughed at me. At one point, Panama walked up to me and pinned me against my locker. He then took out a piece of paper and showed it to Belgium and Romania, who were behind him.

I could tell they all read it, but they didn't say anything. Panama then showed the paper to me. "Read it." He said.

I was starting to get nervous. I was alone and cornered by Panama and his friends. They could do anything to me.

I opened my mouth to say something but immediately closed it again. Panama slammed his hand on the locker beside me, making me flinch.

"Are you deaf or something? Read the dang paper."

I looked at the paper and glanced back at Panama. He was grinning now, most likely already knew my answer.

"Well?" He asked, his grin growing wider. "What does it say?"

I felt like crying when I responded. "I-I can't read it..."

Panama and his goons burst out laughing. Belgium repeated what I said but in a squeaky voice. Romania and Panama laughed some more. Panama then slammed the lockers behind me and smiled. A cruel one.

"Learn English you mutt."

Panama, Belgium, and Romania walked off laughing. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. I allowed tears to roll down my face and I sniffled.

I hate crying.

It just proves you're weak.

"But you are weak." A voice in my head said. I recognized it. It was the voice that whispered negative things whenever I felt sad. If it happens for so long, I start to beleive it.

"You're so weak. You have to have big, strong countries like China, Russia, and Soviet Union protect you. Don't you understand? They don't care about you. They never did. They just like trading with you."

"No.. no no no no..."

"HA! No wonder America and all the countries hate you."

The voice stopped when the late bell for sixth period rang. I decided to camp out in the bathroom than go to class a hot mess.

I ran down the hall to the closest bathroom. I ran inside and entered the last stall. I sat on the toilet and cradled my head between my legs.
I sat there and wept silently for the rest of the period.

Time skip, lunch

I was sitting alone again, but now I felt vulnerable. I knew countries were talking about me the entire time. I wanted to eat but just felt like I couldn't. So I just sat there motionless at the table.

I exited my little daze when I felt tapping on my shoulder. I turned and saw China. He was really worried.

"Are you okay? I called your name ten times but you never replied. I was right here, too."

I wanted to tell him everything. I wanted to tell him how countries are making fun of me because I can't read English. How Panama, Belgium, and Romania cornered me before sixth period, and made fun of me because I couldn't read the note Panama held. I wanted him to hug me and comfort me, and tell me everything was okay and that he'd take care of it.

But all I ended up saying was, "Yeah, I'm fine."

I could tell by China's expression that he didn't believe me, but he nodded and sat down beside me.