Jason didn’t pay any attention in class. He was so distracted that by the time recess came, he didn’t even know what subject they had discussed. He usually sat in one of the seats next to the window, closest to the blackboard. In this spot, he could let his mind wander whilst looking outside, he was as far away from the bullies in the back as possible and was neither in the middle of the teacher’s sight. At least he thought the teacher didn’t notice him, but several times during class, Miss Jameson had tried talking to Jason, but given up after receiving no response.
Finally, the bell rings. He picks up his backpack, which he hadn’t even opened during class, sprints out the door, knocking over one of the bullies. That was something he would come to regret. Alexander, one of the strongest guys in school utters a deep ‘hrmpf’ as he gets to his feet. Jason had never seen this guy so angry, he could swear his nostrils were steaming worse than an angry bull. As a pretty petite guy with his 160 centimetres of height, and 55 kilograms lacking in muscle mass, Jason feels like David facing Goliath. Too bad this David doesn’t have the same courage.
The teacher has already left the classroom, so has the other students who like to keep out of trouble. Jason feels like this is going to be his last day on this earth. Maybe it’d be for the better, he thinks. He is just a confused mess that has nothing to contribute with in this world anyway. But he promised Jennifer to meet at the benches this recess. What would she think? That he had just ditched her and didn’t really care about her? He hoped she wouldn’t be too hurt. He had really looked forward to meeting this angle of a girl.
Alexander picks up his victim by the neck of his shirt, lifts him up onto the wall, and charges his fist. Everything goes dark. The sound of chatter from the hallway disappears.
He floats around in nothingness, as if he was just a grain of dust captured by the wind. This was actually a relaxing feeling; existing, but at the same time, not existing. It felt like sleep, only better. No worries, no thoughts, no nothing. Gradually the darkness grows into a bright, white light. As if he had gone from nothingness and straight up to heaven. Then the pain started aching in his nose, left eye and forehead. He could taste the oh so familiar taste of blood on his lip. Opening his one good eye, Jason discovers a man dressed in white. While talking, the doctor flashes a light in Jason’s eyes, but he just blinks to avoid the pain of the piercing light.
“You’re very lucky, could’ve broken your nose there, little girl!,,
Jason mumbles, not even understanding his own words, or what they were supposed to be.
Mother rushes through the door, with Noah right behind her. She leans over the hospital bed, a tear growing in the corner of her eye.
“Why does this keep happening to you, my innocent little angel.,,
In a hug that feels a little like a Boa Constrictor strangling it’s victims, Jason first feels claustrophobic, but then manages to focus on all the love in her hug.
“Jen..Jennif…,,
“What are you trying to say, Emily?,,
“Jennifer, I was supposed to meet her in recess.,, Jason finally manages to put the words together, in an adequate volume, barely enough to hear.
“This new girl I met at school. She must be devastated I didn’t show up.,,
“Oh, I’m sure she heard what happened.,,
The doctor, who had been writing on a piece of paper on a clipboard while Jason and his mother where hugging, turned around and faced them.
“I’m afraid the punch gave you a serious concussion. We’re going to have to keep you here for observation for a few days, maybe a week, depending on how your symptoms progress..,,
Jason sighs deeply, hoping Jennifer knew why he hadn’t showed up to their “date”.
