A soft tapping on the door pulled me from the depths of sleep. I blinked against the morning light streaming through my window, the familiar scent of pancakes wafting in from the kitchen. I rubbed my eyes, a smile creeping across my face as I remembered it was my second day of school. Excitement bubbled in my chest, almost chasing away the remnants of last night's anxieties.
"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Gramps called from the other side. His voice was warm and filled with affection. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the cool floor beneath my feet, and took a deep breath.
"Coming!" I shouted, my voice still thick with sleep. I quickly brushed my teeth, humming my favorite tune as I splashed my face with cold water. It was a cheerful melody that reminded me of better times, and I found myself lost in the rhythm. After a quick shower, I dressed in my crisp school uniform, adjusting the collar until it lay just right.
As I made my way downstairs, I could hear Gramps bustling around in the kitchen. The clatter of pans mixed with the sweet aroma of banana pancakes made my stomach growl in anticipation.
When I entered the kitchen, Gramps looked up, a surprised grin on his face. "Well, look at you! All dressed up and ready for the day. I didn't think I'd see such a well-groomed young man so soon!" He ruffled my hair, and I felt a warmth spread through me.
"Thanks, Gramps," I said, my voice sincere. It felt good to be complimented, especially after the neglect I had experienced in my previous life.
"Sit down. I made your favorite!" He gestured to the table where a stack of golden pancakes awaited, syrup glistening on top. I couldn't help but grin as I took my seat, diving into the fluffy stack. Each bite was a reminder of how different things were now. Gramps had turned my mealtime into something special, and I was eternally grateful for it.
"Um… thanks, old man," I blurted out between mouthfuls. The words slipped out without much thought, but the instant I said them, I felt a swell of appreciation.
Gramps chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "Now you're speaking like a man! Just don't go calling me old man all the time, alright?"
I smiled, feeling a connection with him that I had never experienced before. But as I chewed on my pancake, a thought struck me. I put my fork down, the question forming in my mind. "Gramps… what do you do? Like, what's your job?"
His brow furrowed for a moment, confusion crossing his face. "What do you mean, kid?"
"I mean, how do you get money?" I asked, trying to be straightforward. I was curious, and something about his hesitation made me wonder if he was hiding something.
He hesitated before responding, "It's not much, really. I get a little from my pension now that I'm getting on in years. And I do some work here and there."
His vague answer made me think he was concealing more than he let on, but I didn't press. I didn't want to pry into his past if he wasn't ready to share.
Suddenly, the clock on the wall caught my eye, and panic surged through me. "Oh no! We're late! Come on, old man!" I jumped up from the table, grabbing my bag in a hurry.
Gramps chuckled as he followed me out the door, his laughter warm and reassuring. "Alright, alright! Let's get moving then!"
We rushly drove the street together, my heart racing with excitement and a bit of anxiety. The school loomed ahead, and I couldn't shake the feeling that today would be different.
Once inside the bustling hallways, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. I could see other kids milling about, laughter echoing off the walls. But just as I started to relax, a hand suddenly yanked on my backpack, pulling me back into a side corridor.
"What the—" I exclaimed, but the world spun as I was shoved into one of the boys' washroom stall. The door slammed shut behind me, and before I could react, I was locked inside. Laughter erupted from the boys who had pulled me in, and my heart sank.
"Look who we have here!" one of them jeered, his voice dripping with mockery. "The little beggar! Did you come here to ask for some change?"
I felt a familiar dread wash over me, the tightness in my chest returning as I realized I was trapped in a small, enclosed space. Memories of my past life flooded my mind—dark corners and locked doors, suffocating me with despair. I cried out for help, my voice trembling, but the laughter only grew louder.
"I had to throw away all the things you touched of mine, you know ? You and your beggar grandpa!" a voice taunted, and I froze. That familiar tone sent a jolt of rage through me, they could've insulted me but to after the old msn was too lowly, igniting something deep inside.
I clenched my fists, the anger boiling over. I couldn't let them see me break. Before i could comprehend the situation my fists flew
in the air and the plastic door that kept me confined had broken into pieces. When I came to, my hands were trembling and stained with blood—not my own, from the chaos I had unleashed. I looked around, confused, the laughter still echoing in my ears, but it was distant now, replaced by a raw, overpowering anger.