Sugar, Let's Die

04.

“are you okay?”

janice, the class monitor

tapped on the girl’s table

to draw her attention.

for the first time in weeks

she replied to her inquiries.

“yes.”

 

the girl fiddled with her fingers

as she thought of the boy

the boy who had saved her.

it was then that it hit her:

perhaps the boy was not too far away

perhaps he was not as gone;

as she believed he was.

 

“i heard what the nurse told the teacher.”

janice slid into His seat

smiling at her.

“i can help you.”

“i’m not crazy, janice.”

“i know you’re not-

but i knew

everyone else thought so.

and i’m offering you my help

because i also believe-“

 

“shut up, janice.”

the girl covered her ears

but janice pried away her fingers

so she could hear her

janice wanted her to hear

and she wanted her to believe

that it could be done.

 

“listen;

maybe he came back for you.”