Being Powerless Among the Powerful

The stone benches in the courtyard were cool under the jacaranda tree's mottled shade, which created a patchwork of sunlight and shadow. A half-eaten sandwich was left in Lalin's lap as she sat with her back against the tree and her legs extended. The slight smell of crushed petals and far-off exhaust filled the air, reminding them of the metropolis beyond the school. Lalin's focus was on Mina, who was standing a few feet away with her arms crossed and a stormy expression on her face, while the students passed in loose groups, their laughing a subdued murmur.

Mina's line, "You've been dodging me for weeks," was piercing enough to break the languid silence of the courtyard. "And now you're suddenly too busy to even text back?"

Lalin's fingers curled around the edge of her sandwich as she winced. "I'm not trying to avoid you. Simply put, things have been really busy.

"Hectic," Mina said in a bland echo. "All right. since taking violin lessons takes a lot of time.

Lalin's pulse accelerated and her breath caught. "How did you—?"

The words "I'm not blind," Mina yelled. "Every lunch, you've been slinking off to the music room. Don't assume that I haven't also observed Kiet slipping out.

Lalin's stomach wrenched as her defensiveness and remorse battled inside her chest. It isn't what you believe. All we're doing is practicing.

"Practicing," Mina said again, squinting. "For what purpose? The talent show? Or did you not bother to tell your best friend about this hidden project?

The sandwich fell to the floor as Lalin pushed to her feet. "That isn't the case. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so I didn't tell anyone."

Mina's chuckle was sharp and tinged with pain. "Well, congratulations. By concealing it from me, you've made it a huge thing."

"Mina, please," Lalin replied, slowly lowering her voice. "You are not the focus. All I wanted was a break from the stress and something for me.

A glimpse of something unspoken and raw passed across Mina's face as her eyes wavered. "All right. Don't share your secrets. However, don't count on me to be here when you make the decision to come clean."

She pivoted on her heel and strode away, her footsteps piercing the stone. A deep sadness settled in Lalin's breast as she watched her leave. Her hunger gone, she slid back onto the bench as the courtyard grew colder and the shadows darker.

With his violin in his hands and his thumb following the sharp crack that went down its neck, Kiet stood in the music room. The instrument's smooth wood was tarnished by a gash that hadn't been there the day before, making it feel heavier than usual. The luggage was placed against the wall, unzipped, as though someone had rummaged through his belongings and left this heartless farewell present. Even though the room was quiet and the air smelled strongly of dust and old paper, the storm that was building within of him was simply made more intense by the silence.

The soft tones of this violin, which he had earned via two summers of work at his uncle's business, were a comfort on days when all else seemed unattainable. It was broken now, and a fragment of himself splintered with it. The wood creaked with the weight of his clinched fingers around the neck, but he made himself relax his hold. Neither despair nor anger would solve it.

Lalin's face was drawn and pallid as she slipped inside as the door creaked open. Her gaze flitted to the violin as she froze upon seeing him. "What happened?"

Kiet's voice clipped as his jaw tightened. "Someone thought it'd be funny to mess with my stuff."

Lalin's hand hovered over the crevice as she walked quickly across the room. "Who would do this?"

He looked at the floor and shook his head. "Not important. It's finished.

"It does matter," she adamantly stated in a loud voice. "Kiet, here is your violin. You can't simply—"

"What do you want me to do?" His remarks were sharper than he had meant when he snapped. Investigate witches? Accuse those who already believe I have no place here."

Lalin flinched back, her face hurt. That's not what I'm saying. However, you cannot ignore this.

Kiet let out a sigh, his shoulders dropping. "I have no other option. Making enemies here is not something I can afford.

Her forehead was furrowed as she gazed at him. "So you're just going to pretend it didn't happen?"

His eyes, dark and tired, met hers. "I'll make it right. All I can do is that.

Lalin's mouth opened, but nothing came out. The moment's weight pressed down on them both as she collapsed onto a neighboring chair. It was as though the shattered violin had taken the breath away from the room, making it feel smaller and the air heavier.

Later that night, Kiet sat by himself with the violin on the table in front of him in his family's small apartment. Only one lamp illuminated the room, creating lengthy shadows on the walls. There were traces of dinner in the kitchenette, and the air smelled like soy sauce and lemongrass. With deliberate care, his fingers applied a small coating of wood glue to the crack, using a light yet accurate touch. He had previously observed his uncle fix air instruments, a silent rite of expertise and patience. It was his turn now.

His thoughts strayed to Lalin's earlier demands and her adamant defense of him while he was working. Having someone standing by his side who owed him nothing was odd. The sensation was both reassuring and unsettling, and he wasn't used to it. His mind jumbled in the quiet, he squeezed the crack's edges together and held them there until the glue started to solidify.

He was startled out of his thoughts by a gentle knock on the door. He looked up, startled. His sibling was studying at a friend's house while his mother continued to work. With a plastic bag hanging from his fingers, he found Chai leaning against the door frame as he cleaned his hands on a rag and walked across the room.

Chai's smile was crooked as he replied, "I thought you'd be moping." "Brought reinforcements."

Kiet moved to make room for him. Chai placed the bag on the table and took out a pack of shrimp chips and two drink cans. "Not exactly a feast, but it'll do."

Kiet forced a tiny smile, a tiny release of the strain in his chest. "Thanks."

Chai's smile faded as his gaze shifted to the violin. "Dude, that's rough. Do you know who did it?

Kiet sank into a chair and shook his head. "Anyone could have done it. A scholarship student with a good violin becomes an obvious target.

With a loud hiss in the silent room, Chai opened a drink. "You think it was one of the rich kids?"

"Probably," Kiet responded in a dull voice. "Not important. I'll make it right."

After examining him for a while, Chai nodded. "You always do."

The crunch of chips and the fizz of soda filled the air between them as they sat in friendly silence. Just the silent support of a buddy who knew without having to ask was sufficient for the moment.