Come Along: SNK AU

~27

On a fair-weathered day in early April, one of the teachers in Algebra pulls me to the side.

His tanned complexion remain neutral, "Thais, can you follow me to the hall," He mentions.

Nodding, my limbs grow heavier with each spin of my wheelchair.

Once out in the hall, he speaks in a tentative manner. "You are needed by your counsellor, Thais. Also check your school email for any missing work." In his hand, he passes over a blue hall pass.

Swiftly I thank him and make my way down to the Counseling Center.

On the way there, few students pass me, chatting about some people that passed the latest Chemistry test, while others sat in the hall finishing tests.

Yet worries resurfaced, one being of Levi finally snapping. He would start shouting profanities and slamming the front door behind him, never returning home, or of dad returning, filled with disappointment in my actions and him dismissing myself as a whole and only reconciles with Levi, leaving me behind as an unwanted memory.

Each leaves behind a neausiating pang of anxiety.

From the entrance, a small waiting room with a row of chairs lined against the wall, leads to a door to the first office.

Inside,  a woman with bobbed brown hair glances over, "How can I help you?"

"Uhm, I'm looking for my school counsellor, Mr.Hagan," I state, not bothering to look around.

"Mr.Hagan should be in his office. I just saw him walkthrough," She replies.

Continuing on my way, I shout to her, "Thank you!"

On the first door to the right, the name card reads 'Tahmid Hagan'. Small doodles of dynamic plants to elegant fairies are tapped to the door.

Raising my hand to knock, I hear the shifting of some people in the office.

"You can come in," Mr.Hagan announces.

On the smaller oak desk, Mr.Hagan perches himself to face two people.

"Hello, Thais. Please make yourself comfortable," Mr.Hagan gestures to an open area.

Sitting with an impassive expression, Levi states, "Stay here and listen."

Instantly I feel my cheeks burn, "Yes, Levi."

The third, and final person speaks up, "Thais, we are here for you, and we want you to know that," Armin pipes up. He offers me a small packet, "Even though Eren, Mikasa and Annie couldn't make it. They made this for you."

My hands tremble as I reach for it, "You guys..."

Inside, a small letter is neatly folded with pictures of us from middle school.

"Look, Thais these past few weeks have been dreadful. For both you and I," Levi begins, glancing to his hands. "Erwin is aware of this whole situation and wants to be here, but you know how it is."

"And," Armin adds his own statement, "Our friend group worries about you and want to help you through this."

Shuffling through the photos I pull one out, "Remember this?" I ask Armin.

His blue eyes widen, "Yes, but..."

I hear Levi sigh, "I do, that's when you brats destroyed my old car." Levi leans forward, "Give me that." He gestures for it.

When he views the crumpled photo, his gaze softens at the four of us covered in paint. Mikasa stands behind us with a faint smile, with her red scarf mostly covering it. Nevertheless, Eren is in the middle with his arms wrapped around both, while Armin reaches out to me.

Mr.Hagan clears his throat, "Thais please, we are here to focus on you."

"Right, of course."

Henceforth, they began to dig deeper.