I was standing there, looking toward the wall.
It would be a lie if I said it didn’t affect me—his words, his gaze—they made me regret everything for a moment.
But I chose to ignore it and left.
When I got there, everyone was talking about their suspension.
I felt nervous.
Did they know I was the reason behind their suspension?
I walked slowly, but no one was staring at me suspiciously.
I guess they don’t know.
Relief washed over me.
I then went toward my place.
“Where were you,?” Chloe asked when she saw me.
“Umm, I was just exploring the college,” I replied.
“Do you know Ryan and his friend got suspended for a week?” she said, her expression unreadable.
“Aren’t you happy?” I asked.
“Why would I be happy?
There’s nothing to be happy about,” she continued.
“That suspension won’t change anything.
The girl who did it must be stupid to think it can change anything.” Listening to her, I didn’t know what to feel.
The fact that she was talking about me made me even more nervous.
No, I cannot be nervous, I told myself.
Finally, class ended—it was time to go.
I left the college.
Chloe had something to do, so she stayed there.
I was walking when I saw an old lady about to get hit by a car.
I panic.
“Stop-!” I said before running towards her.
As I ran, her attention turned toward me.
Confused, she looked around—only to see the car coming at full speed.
She closed her eyes.
It was about to hit her when I pulled her away just in time.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” I asked.
She looked at me and said, “Yes,” relief washing over her face.
Her breathing was fast, just like mine.
She stayed quiet, as if processing what could have happened.
I went to a nearby shop, bought a water bottle, and gave it to her.
She gulped down the water and then said, “Thank you so much, dear.
I cannot even imagine what would have happened if you hadn’t come.” I smiled.
“I’m happy that you’re okay,” I said.
“What is your name?” she asked.
As I was about to answer, a man came over, his face filled with concern.
“What happened?” “Nothing,” she said quickly.
“This girl saved me today.
Otherwise, I don’t know what would have happened.” He turned toward me.
“Thank you,” he said sincerely.
Then he looked back at her.
“Let’s go.” “Okay,” she replied.
Before leaving, she turned toward me once more and gave me a small smile.
Then they both left.
Soon I went home as usual.
They were talking, but something about their conversation felt off.
I hope everything is okay, with that thought.
I walked towards them.
“I don’t know what would happen.
We are in a huge problem,” dad said.
“Problem?” I asked.
Their attention turned to me.
“You are back?” Mom asked.
“Yeah, but what problem are you talking about?” I asked, concerned.
“Nothing dear,” Mom said, trying to act normal—but she is not.
“Okay,” I said, as I knew they won’t tell me about their problem.
They always bear everything but don’t let me face anything.
They don’t want me to be sad, that’s why they don’t even tell me.
“Go freshen up, dinner is ready,” she said.
“Okay, Mom,” I said, then left.
But the thought didn’t leave my mind—what problem are they facing?
After freshening up, I came downstairs.
We always had dinner together.
I took my seat as Mom served the food.
Then we all started eating.
“Mom, dinner is amazing,” I said.
“Thank you, dear,” she replied.
Then she turned toward Dad.
“See how she praises?
You don’t even know how to praise.” “How much should I praise?
Everything about you is the best.
That’s why I love you so much,” he said with a proud smile.
Mom pretended to be angry but eventually smiled.
The dinner went happily, with Dad cracking jokes and Mom and I laughing.
Then I went to my room.
All the thoughts from college started coming back.
I lay down on my bed, trying to sleep, when my phone buzzed.
I checked it—it was a message from an unknown number.
I opened it.
My fingers froze as I read it: “Get ready.
From tomorrow, your life is going to be hell.” And I know exactly who sent this.