#;nyc

[nwalthall]

Going Places 77

© 2018 ned walthall

[a-special-connection]

The Swan's Little Lass

It was nearing the end of lunchtime, and Eva had long since finished her sandwich and drink. She still stayed at the table beside the gated enclosure, though, the sun having finally made its way through the buildings. It was warm and comfortable, and she felt more happy sitting there than joining the others on the blacktop.

Her legs swung rhythmically as she flipped through the book her teacher had given her, but some warning crept her spine as the table creaked under a new weight.

Eva scooted down the bench, further away from the dark-haired man that had chosen the seat next to her. She wasn’t supposed to, but she had seen him that morning. He was the one that mama had slammed the door on. He hadn’t addressed her yet, but his bright blue gaze was steady on her and she could practically feel his hesitation, and the panic that was bubbling just underneath. 

“You’re not allowed to be at school without a nametag,” she finally said.