As Rose walked out of the hall still conflicted with her thoughts, she suddenly bumped into a student. Looking up, she said "Sorry," glancing at the face of the student. She noticed she had never seen them at school before.
"No problem," the student replied before quickly walking away, disappearing into the crowd.
Must be a new student, Rose thought. It was unusual for her not to recognize someone at school, but she shrugged it off and then made way to her class.
But each step she took felt like she was under the burden of heavyweights.
"Finally made it back to class," she muttered, trying to reassure herself.
She took a deep breath and scanned the room, searching for Bella among the murmuring crowd of students. Just as she took her seat in preparation for the class, Mr. Olajide, the chemistry teacher, called out, "Take your seats, everyone."
At last, Rose spotted Bella in her seat. She gave Rose a cheerful smile, and Rose smiled back (page 6)
As she thought to herself, I've got to keep it together. I need to concentrate before they notice. She tried to stay calm, but the overwhelming emotions within her made her remember when last she had felt like this.
Ten years ago, at her grandmother's funeral, as they all paid their final respect. The sky was grey, the air still. The gloomy weather mirrored their moods. She was sitting alone, her eyes glistening at the brink of tears. A six-year-old Rose seemed far from the crowd and lost in thought.
Just then, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Turning, she found her mother standing beside her, her father close behind.
"Rose it's okay," her mom said softly, wiping her tears. She offered a soft smile—one that carried the warmth and love of a thousand words. "I know Grandma is gone now, but she's in a better place."
"Better place?" Rose asked, her voice shaky.
"Yes," her mother nodded. "A place where she would be happy forever. And we need to be happy for her sake. She might be gone, but we still have the memories we shared together and those would last till eternity."
Rose looked up to her father, her face filled with confusion and sorrow, and whispered, "Goodbye, Grandma". The chilling air seemed to echo the heaviness of her words, carrying then into the silent sky.
Her father gave a reassuring nod. "Sometimes," her mother added gently, "when our loved ones are hurt, all we can do.... Is give them all the love and support we can muster." (Page 7)