✘ Old wounds don't heal ✘ ll Jule and Yuki
Jule stared out the window, watching as the sunlight shifted through the leaves on the trees making shadows dance on the roots below. She knew that she should be listening to the teacher, she knew that what he was saying was important. But she couldn't just bring herself to focus on him. He spoke with his hands, he used movements to keep the class engaged. And each time he moved too quickly Jule would flinch. It was hardly noticeable anymore and anyone who wasn't watching her too closely wouldn't see. But she could feel herself cringe and retreat inward, terrified of blows that were bound to come.
No. She reminded herself. That's not right.
She wasn't a child anymore. That awful person was in jail. But even so. . . She couldn't shake the fear that always seemed to settle at the pit of her stomach. Pain was the one and only thing she feared and there was no telling when it would come.
"Jule. . .Jule. . .Jule." Jule jumped slightly, fear racing through her at the teacher's tone. Her face was always an expressionless mask but underneath emotions tumbled and rolled, always in a fight with each other. Peace and anxiety were the two that were constantly at war, she was never sure which to feel.
'Yes, Mr. Takama?" She asked, her voice lacking any lilt or tone. It was the same as her expression. It never revealed anything.
"We're working in partners today." The rest of the class giggled, as if in on a joke she knew nothing about. "So I suggest you find one."
