Chapter 30: New Mission
The next morning, for the first time in what felt like a year, I didn’t wake up with a feeling of dread. The first thing I thought wasn’t about the walk to school, or the stares, or the potential for some new disaster.
The first thing I thought was, ’I wonder if she’ll be at the corner.’
The thought didn’t make me anxious. It just was a simple, hopeful question.
I got ready, my movements less clumsy than the day before. My ribs were slowly but clearly healing. As I was heading for the door, I paused. My crutches were still leaning against the wall where I’d left them. I looked at them for a second, then left them there. I didn’t need them today.
The walk was easy. The morning air was cool, and my limp was barely noticeable. As I approached the corner, my stomach was a weird mix of nerves and excitement.
And there she was.
She was leaning against the same wall, scrolling on her phone. She looked up as I got closer, and a smile spread across her face. It was a real smile, bright and easy.
"Morning," she said, slipping her phone into her pocket.
"Morning," I replied, a grin already forming on my own face. "You know, if you keep this up, people are going to think you’re my bodyguard."
She laughed, a light, happy sound. "Someone’s got to protect you from psycho ex-boyfriends. Besides, I’m your pillar, remember? Pillars have to be punctual."
We fell into step together, walking side-by-side toward school.