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I was rather puzzled. The Japanese was walking towards me. “Anything? You looked pale,” she asked in a low, concerning tone.

“No big deal, I had a mild cold last night,” I replied while reaching for my cardigan from the locker.

She was easygoing but just too straight forward to be friends with, too naïve in this matter-of-fact society.

Hence, after excusing myself, I headed swiftly to my geography class, located two blocks away. Geography has the highest student ratio over teacher by five; I need to go to the southern room, before the next bell strikes, to locate a suitable seat. As I was searching, I saw Shawn waiving towards my direction. He was kind enough to reserve a place for me just beside him.

There were no other alternative in the sardine packed room, hence I accepted his kindness. I placed my knapsack on the table, thanked him then went standing at the side of the back door of our class, viewing greens. Just then I noticed Shawn has stolen a few glances of me.

During gym, one afternoon, I recalled, I almost lost consciousness after our 200 meters’ sprint event. I was trying hard to breathe in and out, slowly, through my mouth. Then I heard someone alarmed the coach on my condition.

“Bridget, are you all right?” a caring voice asked. I didn’t make any effort to look up to know it was Shawn who has suggested taking me to the in-house clinic. He held his arms around my slender waist and pulled my arms on his shoulder. He towed me across the block while I leaned helplessly on his shoulder…

My illusion was intercepted by someone’s footsteps. Mr. Dan’s manifestation has been juggling in my mind since last night and I simply just can’t wait for another second for him to enter. I wonder who he is, without me noticing he has actually stepped in our room. I was stunned looking at his gigantic figure while the rest of my classmates, on the other hand, were standing in attention, preparing to greet him.

I have imagined him standing tall and smart but not with a protruded belly, untrimmed gray mustache, shining top and a hunch! Throughout his introduction, I avoid having eyes contact with him; fearing he might have noticed I am cross ‘examining’ him. I personally think he lives well without much predicament or anxiety and most importantly have a fine supply of delicacy compared to our poor selves.

Flipping back into last night’s memory, I only have had some sliced bacon, macaroni and cheese – a so call ‘budgeted meal’. However, after a couple of hours, subsequent to dinner, I felt hungry. It was 10 p.m. then.

Usually, by this time; I should have been dozed-off but not tonight. I toasted left and right, doing sheep-count but I simply couldn’t sleep. I walked to the hall and saw mom busy completing her chores. She is surprised to see me then asked, “What’s up, dear?” This was the first night I have ever had supper with mom accompanying me since dad demised.

I was upset to notice some newly grown winkles and crow’s feet engraved on her exhausted face as well as the darkening of her eyes. On her disorganized hair, there were some visible strains of grey hairs, growing like some dried out lawns.

Looking at her pathetic, obnoxious condition, I can’t stop pondering the proposal Craig had for me. But, is this an obligation or an opportunity?