Manic Bird
Mariella Kuibreza
An eerie echo reverberated through the empty schoolyard.
The afternoon bell.
I felt a strange sensation wash over me, as if the sun scorched my skin with its rays. I yanked my arm away from the light when I noticed smoke curl out of my sleeve. Still, the ringing continued, each chime piercing through my skull as I placed my hand on my other arm, now numb.
I saw Klaus in my peripheral, turning toward me, concern etched into his face. I could almost read the silent question written out in his eyes, but I am too preoccupied with the searing pain to answer. And then I notice his eyebrows are furrowed, sweat beading on his forehead as his eyes squinted in agony. The burning wasn’t only affecting me.