"Delay always breeds danger; and to protract a great design is often to ruin it"
-Migual de Cervantes
[Bell Rings]
"Alright kids, we'll continue the next topic in our next class," Miss Elish said, walking back to her desk with her book in hand.
Before stepping out, she glanced at me with a playful smile.
"And Yuni... try not to snooze off next time, okay?" she added in a sarcastic but friendly tone.
The whole class laugh, and I could only smile awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Yeah... I'll try," I mumbled under my breath.
With that, Miss Elish walked out, and the classroom quickly buzzed back to life, warm chatter, playful and the carefree energy only a room full of kids could have.
Jen leaned toward me again, trying to start a conversation. But like before, I ignored him, pretending to look through my notebook.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open again, and the next teacher walked in, silencing the class with their presence. And just like that, the routine kicked in. Lessons continued, exactly the way I remembered them.
After what felt like an eternity, the final bell rang.
School was over.
I quietly packed my books, slipping them into my bag one by one. The classroom was filled with noise—chairs scraping, kids chatting, backpacks zipping shut—but I moved through it like a ghost, keeping to myself and ready to head home.
Just as I slung my bag over my shoulder and made my way toward the door, Jen stepped in front of me.
"Hey… why are you ignoring me?" he asked, his tone unsure—hurt, even.
I looked away and muttered, "Just leave me alone. I'm going home."
I tried to walk past him, but he reached out and grabbed my shoulder.
That touch... it triggered something. A mix of anger, pain, and memories I didn't want to relive. I brushed his hand off, not harshly but firmly.
Without saying another word, I walked away—never once looking back.
I didn't want to.
I couldn't.
Right now, all I wanted was to go home. Back to that little world where, for now at least… Mom was still waiting.
A little while later, I found myself standing in front of my house again. I paused at the doorstep, my hand hovering over the doorknob.
For a brief second, I felt afraid... afraid that maybe this was all a dream. That when I opened the door, she wouldn't be there.
But I took a deep breath and turned the knob.
"I'm home," I called out, voice quiet but steady.
From inside, I heard the most comforting sound in the world
"Ah, welcome home!" my mom replied warmly.
I followed her voice into the house, and there she was, just as I remember moving about in the living room, her presence filling the room with peace.
"How was school, Yuni?" she asked without turning, like it was just another normal day.
"It was… good," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Really good."
"That's nice to hear," she said gently. "Now go get changed and take a little rest—you must be tired."
I nodded, the warmth in her voice soothing something heavy inside me.
For now, I was home. And so was she.