Chapter 3: A Usual Day

The clock hit 4:00 am as I was approaching the school; me waking up at 3 to avoid as many people as possible. A silent breeze filling the main street as I passed. My steps resounding across its empty halls. A smile crept up my face, but it wasn't fulfilling. The silence, my lonely shadow as I walked, it felt empty.

"I want more friends" an unrealistic wish turned in my head. Until I reminded myself of the time in middle school. Where I met the reality of a human being. My dis-capacity served as an excuse to them. They hit, mocked, and isolated me because I was different. Their hands turned red in my eyes, their laughs fiendish squeals. My voice, being only a feeble breeze, couldn't stand against them. As I turned for help, I saw Jishi, who stared.

"I can only trust the piano" these old words echoed within me every time I played the keys. My only voice amidst my silence, the piano. Not once has he ever betrayed me. These old thoughts boiled up as I approached the school.

Reaching my classroom on the third floor, I open the door as it creaked. The empty desks lined up in front of me as I stepped toward the window. My eyes fell upon the music room in the far left corner of my view. Behind it a few trees, which reminded me of yesterday. That girl, Ray, she stormed into the music room yesterday, but why.

Questions circled my head as I felt the door open behind me. A shock climbing over my spine as I turned. My eyes meeting the teacher as he sipped off his mug. His eyes dragged as they turned to notice me.

"Good morning" his tired voice echoing in the room as he let out a yawn. Reaching for his desk his red hoody covering his blue shirt. His bald head reflecting the lights as he then sat. Waving at him, I sneaked into my seat in the back. As he took out the book for the lecture, I took a deep breath preparing for today.

Hours passed as I was alone with those demons known as classmates. Their stares and words never fell en me often. Regardless, I tried my best to avoid them faking I'm into the class. The bell rang as they flooded out of the classroom.

"Recess time..." the thought entered my mind. I sneaked out of the classroom, ignoring the stares of those who remained. Once in the hall, my heart beating at 47 beats per millisecond took control. Rushing up the stairs at light speed, I reached the roof. A silent place nobody used often. I sat in the far corner, enjoying the view of the city.

"Yö ho~" a familiar energetic voice shocked the air. Though shocked, I turn to see Jishi. His eyes glowing with his usual childish spark. Sitting near me, he munches unto the sandwich in his hand.

Looking at Jishi, I remember those old words "I can only trust my piano". Truth be told, I stood by that. But I still remember how I Jishi changed that. He came to my house one day, looking all beat up. "I'm sorry" he said as he dragged one bully to my door. Although he never fixed the problem, he tried to talk to the teachers. Or so he said that day. And despite me not having any proof of that, I believed him. Because he talked through his hands that day, his small wounded hands.

"Thank you" my hands darting out on their own. Jishi, in a bit of a surprise, choked. After swallowing, he then grinned and as if reading my mind replied "Any time".

"I can only really trust Jishi and the piano," I thought as we kept eating along with the calm breeze.