What I'm Not

Chapter 5

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock buzzing loudly. Instead of shutting it off, I let it go. I laid there, in bed, staring at the alarm clock, wondering if I could ever go on without Takara. My room door opened and my dad walked in.

"Honey," he said carefully. "You should at least get up."

He shut my alarm off and waited.

"Why should I get up?" That comment seemed to come out rude so I added, "I mean, can't I have a day to grieve over the death of my friend."

His expression became nervous. "About that... Takara... He's downstairs wondering if you're ready for school."

I would never have believed him if it weren't for Takara's voice.

"O-i! Brooklyn! We're going to be late if you don't hurry!"

I ran down the stairs and saw him. I stood only inches from him and stared into his brown eyes. He was real.

I broke down and cried as I hugged him. His arms wrapped around me as I cried uncontrollably into his shirt. As I did, he slowly ran his hand over the back of my hand and told me everything was alright.

After a few minutes, I was strong enough to pull away.

"Are you better now," he asked.