SONDER

𝘵𝘸𝘰

"I don't know who you're talking to—because, you're not my dad. You're not the boss of me." She folded her arms across her chest, frowning.

"I put food on the table every night, right?"

"Yes.."

"I keep this roof above your head right?"

"Yes, but—"

"But I'm not the boss of you, right? I'm not trying to be your dad. I'm not trying to be the boss of you but it's only us and I'm a kid just like you, I'm new to this. Work with me, because I'm really trying here."

"Okay.."

"Alright." I walked out of the bathroom, making my way to the room towards the end of the hall that belonged to my grandmother. She was in the bed attached to all of her monitorial equipment.

I knew she was in her last stages, since she had little to no movement and she was usually sleeping from sunrise to sunset.

Honestly, I needed her to push through until my birthday came around. Because then, I can put my name on the lease and take hers off since I'll be legal.

But, if she dies before that? I'll just lie my ass off and get somebody to taxidermy her or something like that.

I leaned over and kissed her forehead before getting the bag of McDonalds out of her way since Aniyah ate in here with her and must've just forgotten to clean up after herself afterwards.

"I'll see you later, Gram." I looked at her before leaving out of her room.

▂

"This project will be one of the biggest ones you get this term. So, make sure that you work very hard on it, especially since I had to spend my Saturday with the AV club and the principal just to get these cameras." Mrs. Frisch explained as she walked around the classroom. "I understand that our last discussion left people uncomfortable and now a lot of you are presented a certain way to others, so this project is different—yes, Saida?"

"How different?"

"I'll be placing you in groups of two, I'll give you a song and then I'll give you a camera. You will interview your partner and they'll interview you. You will find out the meaning of said song, and then you will explain how something in your life relates to it. It'll show the class a vulnerable side to you."

"What if I can't relate to the song?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Trust me, Mr. Sinclair. I chose these songs based on things that everyone goes through. Even if you haven't went through it, something could've possibly made you feel like you did."

"Alright." I tapped my pencil against my desk.

"Now.." She grabbed her notepad. "Lukas and Autumn will be group one and your song will be..."

I zoned out as she gave them their song and went on to give the rest of the class theirs until it was time for her to tell me who my partner was and our songs.

"Lastly, group nine, Saida and Mekhi. Your song will be When Doves Cry by Prince." She smiled, sitting the camera down. "Now, go! Discuss your plans with your partner."