's intimidating glare. In a flash movement, my father's grip had strangled his neck that caused hi

tempt; his eyes did reflect his desire to fight against him yet he didn't want to put me at

could only plead for my father's mercy

hen surrendered to his endeavor to hurt Reno as soo

n my side, had no choice but to sacrifice this

g his companion dashing out of the crowds of people who, since the beginning, had watched the action play between an old man and the young glasses nerdy boy. It was not their mistake for not

lips as well as the bruises on my jaws and elbo

y gratitude and responding to his inquiry, I snapped at him whi

if he didn't come

I have collected for a

way she spoke changed when talking to Reno. "Thank you so much for your he

eno, Ilana's

tation; following my mother's lead, he entered our tiny house which forced him

nicely, serving him with a cup of tea which she bou

a form of my gratitude for what

ea." That praise was enough to please my mother and they engaged

room from the pieces and the debris of the dishes. Despite envy with their closeness, I found a tinge of happiness in me witnessing the joy in my mother's

n his wrist, Reno bid goodbye to

him out of the house. "Take care. Visit us more often if you are

ading toward the gate which split this slum area with the r

get to know w

don't blame her. It was me who coerce

ng a mess at school." I paused before I sa

r w

smile on my m

mean it. At least you are lucky to

You live with your

gical mother whe

ry to he

ing used

bit. "I hope it's your last time to visit my house. Don't

't promise you no

l. He can loot your m

more to this boy even though he gained my sympathy for losing his mother at such a young age. Even imagining growing up without a per

e, I directed him to follow the main road to catch the taxi. "If you take t

yell; his voice then faded away along with the more distance

not Reno, her special guest, got a taxi as soon

-old kid, Mom. He can

sed tone which convinced me more that Reno's presence meant a

to be my friend even if Reno might be different from the rest

that you would be this stubborn. For my whole life, he i

evel to make a fri

d to you? The stupid me even know that G

down at myself for my flaws and limitations. And that regret fo

*

attributes; whoever wore the proper attire would pass the checking including me. The lanky teacher in g

f forbidding strictly to have their hair dyed or done, copying celebrity's hairstyle. Others, especially female stude

grasping my shoulder, unfortunately, compelled my feet to their place. It was Nina, my cousi

r mother trick my fat

the spot on my face; it hurt but her next words

tes in our family. Not only that, y

I didn't want to make a fuss nor add more pang t

path with me and greeted me with her squinting eyes, ensuring that she didn't refe

ra.

she did the same thing in return. Vera was my senior, one year ahead of me; her nice personality w

e parted and I was alone inside this lift; Vera

s disgusted stare which reminded of her alert not to greet her let alone blow up our relationship as a cousin and meeting her here

g at my look in disheveled uniform; they then

ling on the floor and briskly ran to my seat; I c

before even from Nina; it was from the most arrogant student at school who once