AAHH!

“Heyy trash can.”

“...”

“Look over here trash~”

Devon nears me.

“Is your hair on fire this early in the morning?” he mocked.

His entire group circled my table.

He had spiked white hair. And he was mocking my yellow ones, which oddly resembled fire—and deeply an eyesore.

“Devon… look… I”

“What is it Trash?”

And my name—Trushen Jacobs a.k.a. Trash Can to them.

“Keep your hoodie on!” one of his henchmen pulled my hoodie. My deep shade of red eyes turned at him; the red in them only visible in bright light, otherwise they appeared black.

“You have something to say to Jonny?” Devon asked, his mocking lightness replaced with quiet animosity.

“No…” My eyes down at the table.

“Good. And don't let that hoodie fall.” He spoke, showing his teeth.

Before quickly passing me, Devon slapped on the back of my head.

I quietly stayed seated.

“Will your young mommy come today too?” His last lackey said while passing me.

I grabbed his hand. Pulled him. Pinned his head to my desk with the other hand: “...kill you…”

No one understood what happened. Devon took about 5 seconds to understand and look back.

The others quickly jumped on me. Needless to say I would have run, but the teacher came and the classes started first. And I clearly knew my way home that day would be a military exercise.

*****

“Hey Mira, I'm home.”

“Welcome, and don't call me that, you know?” the black haired lady replied.

“Yeah, sorry.”

“And why are you limping?”

“I'm not limping.” I said, trying not to put weight on my right leg. But she was coming towards me, so I stuttered to make up something, “Oh, uh, yeah. Football match?”

“You're not in the football team. And they don't take you in games either.” She then, questioned, “What again?” Her deep dark eyes as if peering into whatever I had inside through my red ones.

“Do I look like someone who fought?” I said, holding one open hand up beside myself and sweeping it slowly down, presenting my whole body like evidence.

“Quick, take a seat.”

“Yes.”

“Where are you hurt?” she said, squatting on the floor.

“Uh, I think I'm all right. It's just ache from running a bit.”

“Lift up your right pant leg.”

“Yeah. Yeah.”

“It's bleeding. Stay still, right here. I'll be right back with the first aid kit.” She rushes off..

“Okay, Mira.”

“Don't call me that, and how many times do I have to tell you to not get into a fight or provoke anyone? When will you understand?”

“I didn't do it.”

She returned with the kit.

“If you didn't do it, then why are you hurt?” Squatting, she started to clean the wound, “Did they beat you like this?”

“They didn't beat me. They chased me. Mira, I-”

“Did you hit someone?”

“I didn't hit someone, I hit something—an object, Mira,” I said, irritation creeping into my voice.

“Don't call me Mira. It’s Mom for you.”

“Okay, mom.”

“Sit here. I will get your snacks.”

My eyes didn’t leave her face. Rising up, she finally looked back into my eyes.

“Are you going somewhere tonight?” I asked.

“Yes. I have a meeting.”

“Don't go. Let's have dinner together.”

“No, dear, it's very important.” She doesn't give me the fake smile — partly because she knows I am no longer a kid.

“Who is it? Is it someone new?”

“It is from a private firm. You don't know him…” She said, looking around in a matter-of-fact way.

“Is it a date?” Sincerity in my voice.

She stares at my face, “No.” She said firmly.

I kept looking at her. As I always do. She neared me again. Both of her hands touched my cheeks, “Whatever I am doing, everything is for you.”

She didn't let me answer. Her forehead touched mine. We closed our eyes. I was at peace.

She quickly again moved her head away, and with a smile said, “And we need to talk about your punishment later.”

Before leaving me she kissed my cheek.

*****

She left a while ago. Dinner's hot, and covered.

I walked to my room. Dark and stopped. I liked it that way.

I pulled the wooden drawer.

It was a song,

“You are lost alone in this world of wonders”,

“You are crying alone in this world of wonders”

Her melodic voice a reminder to my silent world.

I couldn't read the next lines, as tears welled one after the other.

“I… miss… you…” I sobbed.

*****

8 PM.

She would likely be late, and… I was already on the street.

My feet were taking me to the place I newly discovered.

*****

I looked around again. No one near. Not even a sound of another person.

Dropping the hood, I leaped high up.

I crossed the lengths of the dense trees, and bathed in the white light of the moon, I saw the small old remains of the place ahead.

I landed on top of the wall that I wished to cross.

It was like yesterday when I walked around here. Aimlessly. And by the time the sun was setting, my hand rose to touch this worn wall.

Before another second passed, I jumped down to the ground.

A small gate to the structure ahead. Old and covered in vines. Yet shining in the moonlight. As if it was a knight who is standing there out of duty.

Last time I didn't touch this ground. I did not go further. I turned away. Because…

Because I was scared of losing what I had. But today it feels like what do I even have?

Three stairs.

Then a small area ahead of which is the door. The roof above me held up by two cylindrical pillars.

My hand touched the rough door. I slid my palm across it. Rough, but also kind of intentional? Like inscriptions or designs?

After dusting it off a bit, it seemed I was right. Those were decors of gold, or something golden. But not without scratches and tests of time.

I sighed.

My arm push—

“AAHH!”

A girl screamed from somewhere far away.