As I settled into my seat next to Galvin, I couldn't help but notice the bright smile on his face, framed by his frizzy hair. What a cool kid, I thought. I should try to make some friends… at least in this life.
"Hello!" I said, feeling a surge of courage. "Let's be friends!" I extended my hand, unsure if this was how it was done, but I had seen it in movies before. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction.
Galvin looked at my hand, his dimples deepening as he grinned wider. "Do you have money?" he asked, his tone light but with a hint of mischief.
I blinked, momentarily confused. Money? "Huh? Why?" I asked, furrowing my brow.
His gaze flicked to my wrist, where my father's watch gleamed under the fluorescent lights. The very watch I had gotten after my father's death. The same watch he was wearing driving on that day—the day everything changed. It was an extraordinary and expensive watch though i had yet to realize it's true value.
"Oh, nice watch!" Galvin exclaimed, excitement in his voice. "Let's be best friends, hehe!" He shook my hand vigorously, his enthusiasm infectious.
Still puzzled by his earlier question, I brushed it aside. Did I hear that wrong? For now, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Making a friend, even in such strange circumstances, felt like a small victory.
As the morning unfolded, I found myself captivated by the lessons. This was school! I felt a thrill at being part of a place buzzing with energy and laughter. I glanced at Galvin, who seemed to know everyone. He whispered jokes and traded notes, his laughter echoing through the room. I wanted to be a part of that.
I thought about the old man's sacrifice—using his own money to ensure I could attend this school. He had locked away my parents' inheritance papers in a safe, handing me the key as a sign of trust. He was doing everything he could for me, and I felt a surge of gratitude. Unlike my aunt, who had restricted me to enter school using a sorry of an excuse about how she couldn't afford it.
I must study hard, I resolved. I can't let Gramps down. I glanced at him, sitting quietly at the back of the classroom, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he watched the class.
As the day wore on, I slowly eased into the rhythm of school life. The teachers were kind, and the lessons, although challenging, felt exhilarating. I learned about math, science, and history—each subject filling me with curiosity I thought I'd lost forever.
When the final bell rang, I felt a strange mix of emotions. The day had been a whirlwind, and as I gathered my things, Galvin waved me over. "Hey, come sit with me during lunch!"
I followed him to the cafeteria, where he introduced me to his friends. They were a lively bunch, laughing and joking, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of belonging. This is what friendship feels like, I thought, a smile stretching across my face.
As we ate, Galvin told stories that had everyone in stitches. "And then I said, 'That's not a dog, that's my grandma's wig!'" he exclaimed, and the table erupted in laughter. I joined in, my heart swelling with joy. Maybe I could finally leave the past behind, or at least tuck it away for now.
When school finally ended, I eagerly waited for Gramps. I watched as parents picked up their children, excitement radiating from every corner of the playground. Then, I spotted the old man's car. It was run-down, but in that moment, it felt like a beacon of hope.
"Bye, Galvin! See you tomorrow!" I called, already sprinting toward the car. The old man was leaning against the door, a wide grin on his face. He ruffled my hair affectionately as I climbed in, the warmth of his approval wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.
"How was it, kiddo?" he asked as we pulled away from the school.
"It was amazing!" I replied, my words tumbling out. "I made a friend! His name is Galvin, and he's super funny!" I couldn't contain my excitement, sharing every detail of the day, the classes, the laughter, and the friends I had made.
Meanwhile, as we drove off, Galvin stood there, a perplexed expression on his face as he watched me disappear into the distance. "So he's a beggar?" he murmured to himself, brow furrowing. "How dare he ask to be my friend!" But then a sly grin crept across his face. "Wait… I'll be the best friend he never asked for!"
His eyes sparkled with mischief as he climbed into the luxury car that awaited him. Maybe tomorrow would be just as exciting, I thought, glancing back at the school one last time, feeling the weight of the past lift just a little more.
As the car rolled down the street, I turned my focus back to Gramps, ready to embrace whatever this new life had in store for me.