World Eater

10

“GOOD MORNING, ALZAR. How are you feeling today?” Her steely eyes peered through Alzar’s groggy, foul mood. He had barely slept the night before, too entwined in what he hoped was fantasy.

Alzar kicked his backpack out from under his feet, staring up at Fancy with dark eyes. “Fine, I guess.”

Fancy touched her fingertips together, resting her arms on her desk. “Alzar, I want to get to know you better. It will help me get a better scope of your problems and how I can help you. In your own words, how would you describe your home life?”

Alzar shrugged. “We're poor, but so is everyone else around here. I guess my home life is pretty normal. I don't think we're anything out of the ordinary.”

“You live with your uncle, right? Sariel Lorne? Your files say he's very mentally ill. How does that affect you?”

“Less than it affects him,” Alzar hissed, his guard coming up. He didn't like talking about Sariel.

“Alzar, it's okay to talk about these things. Do you consider your relationship with him strained?”

Alzar scratched the back of his neck. “I don't know…I don't think so? Sometimes he's annoying but I guess we’re pretty cool.”

Fancy leaned in, her face turning serious. “Has Sariel ever hurt you? Has he ever struck you, or threatened you?”

“No!” Alzar barked, slapping his hands on the desk, nearly knocking over Fancy’s coffee cup. “He would never do anything like that to me! And it's none of your business, anyway!”

Fancy seemed mildly surprised at his answer, shaking her head. “I'm sorry I struck a nerve.”

Alzar opened his mouth to defend himself further, but Fancy interrupted him. “How about your relationship with your peers? Do you consider yourself popular?”

“Not at all,” Alzar muttered, “I just don't like talking to people. It kinda scares me, you know? I feel like they're gonna judge me or something.”

Fancy glanced up, her bright eyes meeting Alzar’s. “I can understand that. Kids are cruel. I wouldn't trust any of them.”

“Really?” Alzar said, taken off guard.

“Of course. The kids out there won't accept anyone who slips through the social cracks. I don't think it's safe for a person like you to try to shove yourself in their circles.”

“That's what I was thinking,” Alzar said, nodding.

Fancy glanced at the clock on her desk. “I believe it's almost time for second period to start. I'll see you later, Alzar.”

Almost in a daze, Alzar slung his backpack over his shoulder, only to pause and turn to Fancy. “Ah...Miss Fancy?”

“Yes, Alzar?”

“What do you think about...demons?”

Fancy smiled. “I believe they're closer than you think.”

----

“Hey, Alzar, do you have the answer to number three?”

Alzar flinched, staring at his classmate as he tore his attention from his homework. “Uh…” he pointed at number three.

He smiled, copying down the answer. “Also, I saw your t-shirt. Are you into anime too?”

Alzar paused, blinking.

The kids out there won't accept anyone who slips through the social cracks.

Heart thudding, Alzar turned back to his desk, going back to his homework.