Chapter 26 -:26:spirals and Stairs
The bustle of the classroom had slowed down, as if time itself had stopped. Teru's laughter had disappeared, and only the soft rattle of pens could be heard. All the students were immersed in their notebooks, mechanically writing down the words the teacher told them. The sound that once made my mind settle down now made me feel lost in emptiness, far away.
I looked out of the window. A tree, which was different from the rest, was in front of my eyes. Its branches were bare and lifeless, as if someone had taken away all its treasure. Its state was like a story—standing with a lost hope of colors, as if it was telling the world that yes, I am still here.
Trees are so strong, right?
I thought, looking at that tree with my eyes.
Even if it does not have all the colors of life, it still stands in its place, as if this world cannot break it.
There was a tightening in my chest.
Am I the same as I was before? Can I ever be the whole, strong girl I once was, or am I ready to fall apart at any moment?
The emptiness of last night still lingers in my heart, raw and deep.
"Now, have everyone show me your thoughts and give me written feedback," the teacher's shrill voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Her voice, very stern, silenced everything.