Chapter 54: _ Bad Luck Charm
Finally, I reached the classroom. The kids hadn’t listened to me.
Goddamn it. I told them all to freaking wait in the class!
All the desks were empty, except for one. I squinted my eyes to study the occupied one. Huddled in the corner, a small figure sat hunched over, his shoulders shaking. Then, his small whimper drew my complete attention to him.
It was Liam. Relief was an understatement for how I felt right now.
"Liam!" I rushed towards him, bellowing.
He looked up and I saw his eyes red-rimmed and tear-streaked.
"Ms. Isleen," he croaked, his voice trembling. "What’s happening?"
Oh, the poor boy.
I knelt before him, gathering him in a tight embrace. His small frame shook against mine, and for a moment, I wanted to protect him with everything I had.
All that mattered was the warmth of his body pressed against mine, the soft sobs that muffled against my shirt. Liam felt like me way too much.
He reminded me of my younger self. I couldn’t protect myself from the thorns back then but I could protect this boy right here.