Shut In

Doing the summer homework in my room, I spent the first few days of summer vacation. I barely stepped out of my room so much for the concentration that I completed it all. Whether to forget about the pain or to pour the hatred somewhere, I emerged myself in moving those hands.

Yesterday after I returned I got a message from Fumiko-san asking me “where are you?”. Leaving suddenly without informing surely will make them worry and it was also rude of me but I wasn't in a situation to even move my lips nor show my unsightly face.

Replying with “I was feeling sick so I went home.” I took off my shoes at the entrance. Shigeo and Lemon were in the living room. Lemon got curious why I was back early because I told her I will be late today. Without trying to talk much I replied with the same answer which I told Fumiko-san. It wasn't easy to hide the soreness of my throat and shuttering voice. The pain also intensified to the degree that normal words and slightest facial movements were working as pouring boiling water on my face.

Dad also got worried with the sudden change in my behavior. Thinking that it will only increase problems for dad I dodged the question or told some random lies.

There is one more thing that is bothering me for some minutes. I got a message from Kiyoko-san asking me to come with them to the summer festival.

I do want to go but, in these past few days my heart really hated the thought of stepping outside. Somehow my fear of going outside crept back to me.

Still the smallest corner in my heart wanted to go with them and believe that my scared heart will come out of his dark room again.

After pondering over these thoughts while the phone was in my hand I mustered up the courage and replied with,

“Gladly.”