"Isn't that Rodrigo?"
"Why is he back at school already? Didn't his mom pass away just two days ago? Is he that obsessed with school?"
"I heard he developed some sort of mental disorder after her death."
As Rodrigo entered the school grounds, whispers followed him like shadows. He walked with a haggard gait, devoid of his school uniform save for his worn-out notebook and pen.
His appearance spoke volumes of his inner turmoil. His face was smudged with dirt, but it was nothing compared to the state of his clothes, which bore witness to his deteriorating mental health.
Since his mother's passing, Rodrigo had become a shell of his former self. Life held little meaning for him anymore, yet deep down, he clung to the promise he made to his mother: to become a pharmacist.
The mystery surrounding his mother's illness only deepened his despair. Some speculated that it was the same illness that claimed his father's life.
Despite countless hospital visits, her condition remained elusive, with each diagnosis contradicting the last. Faced with this relentless uncertainty, she eventually gave up hope of finding a cure.
Despite his mother's mysterious illness, Rodrigo remained determined to find a cure for her illness.
With his academic prowess, he believed he could become a pharmacist and develop a drug that would heal her.
However, his purpose at school now seemed to be driven by a different motive.
"Nita? Where are you? I... missed you!" he rambled as he navigated through the crowd, oblivious to the attention he garnered upon his arrival at school.
All eyes were on him as he searched for his so-called girlfriend, Nita.
Nita, a beautiful and intelligent girl of 18, hailed from a wealthy family and was known for her dedication to her studies. She was the second smartest student in their class, just behind Rodrigo.
Despite his feelings for her, Nita hardly gave Rodrigo a second thought. Her focus remained steadfastly on her academic pursuits, while Rodrigo's attention was consumed by his mother and his desire to help her, even as he continued to excel in his studies.
"Ella, where did you put my textbook? I hope it's safe. You know how this crowd can be, mostly thieves," Nita said, conversing with her friend as they made their way through the bustling hallway, oblivious to the unfolding scene.
Rodrigo's senses heightened as he heard Nita's voice, his heart quickening with anticipation.
"The only joy I have left in this world," he muttered to himself as he hurried toward her.
As Nita caught sight of him, she halted abruptly, her expression one of shock and apprehension. "Rodrigo? What... what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
She had heard rumors about his sudden mental instability, so she was cautious, fearing he might pose a threat.
Rodrigo approached her, his eyes brimming with affection. "I missed you, sweetheart. Truly, I did," he said, his words filled with sincerity.
He extended his arms, offering a hug—an audacious move considering their past interactions.
Despite his assistance with her assignments and his kind demeanor, Nita had always harbored a deep dislike for him, fueled by her own insecurities and jealousy of his academic prowess.
They had never made physical contact before, not even a handshake, as Rodrigo was aware of Nita's aversion to such gestures. But in this moment, driven by his overwhelming emotions, he dared to break that barrier, hoping to convey the depth of his feelings for her.
She had never hesitated to show her disdain for him, but Rodrigo's persistence bordered on insanity.
His bold offer for a hug only confirmed her suspicions.
As he closed in, Nita angrily pushed him away, her frustration evident in her actions. Rodrigo staggered but managed to regain his balance, his heart sinking at her rejection.
"What's wrong with you?" Nita's voice dripped with anger as she confronted him. "I've heard rumors that you were losing your mind, but I never took you for one to approach me like this, especially looking like that," she spat out, her hand brushing against the wall in a futile attempt to rid herself of the mess he had brought with him.
Just then, another voice interrupted their tense exchange. "What the fuck is going on here?" It was Connor, a mean student known for his ruthless demeanor and no-nonsense attitude.
"It's Connor, let's get out of here," someone whispered urgently, the tension palpable in the air.
"I can't stand this guy," muttered another student, echoing the sentiments of many.
"He's such a jerk," agreed another, eager to distance themselves from the brewing conflict.
Despite Connor's authoritative presence, the students scattered like leaves in the wind, unwilling to be caught in the crossfire.
"I asked if anyone was going to explain, and you're all just running away?" Connor's voice rang out with irritation, but his words fell on deaf ears as the students continued to flee without a word.
"I was fucking saying—" Connor began, but he was swiftly cut off by Ben, who stepped forward to intervene.
"It's nothing, Connor. The students were just surprised to see Rodrigo back at school," Ben explained, standing beside Rodrigo in a show of solidarity.
"Huh? Are you lost or something? What are you doing here Rodrigo? The psychiatrist's office is a few blocks away, not here!" Connor retorted, his frustration evident.
As the other students dispersed, Nita remained, her gaze fixed on Rodrigo with a mix of dismay and uncertainty. She had yet to express her true feelings to him, to make it unequivocally clear that she did not reciprocate his affection.
"The door's behind you. Go find your own kind. No one here is like you!" Connor added, positioning himself beside Nita and her friend, offering his support.
"What are you saying? I can't hear you!" Ben exclaimed, covering his ears as if trying to block out Connor's words.
"Can you hear him?" Ben turned to ask Rodrigo, but received no response as Rodrigo's attention remained focused on Anita.
"You're way beneath our level. We can't even hear what you're saying," Ben finally declared, dismissively addressing Connor's comments.