My gaze fell on my phone as my hand extended to pick it up, turning it on to get a view of the time. The digital clock near the top of the screen read: 4:12 AM, meaning I've been asleep for about seven hours. In three minutes, I'd be waking up for school, and I'd also have to prepare for the program afterwards. With a sigh, I leaned back against my pillow, running a hand through my hair.
The journal my mother had purchased for me was still lying on the floor, its surface and pages less drenched than before I fell asleep. As I gazed at the bound book, I felt a pang of reflection. My Ryujin had instructed me to write down my feelings, just like Ayumi had too. I could write down anything I was feeling, and at the moment I felt mostly confusion from the dream I had.
...
I quickly changed out of my pajamas, took a shower, ate my breakfast and headed out the door in under fifty minutes, dodging my father before he could make a crude remark on my appearance or scold me. The bag with the cheesecake was still in the cabinet for my mother to find when she would proceed with her usual cleaning routine.
Ahead the sky was slightly clearer, the storm clouds from last night having drifted away, and the sun piercing through the lighter clouds made the morning dew sparkle on the green grass like gemstones. I slugged my backpack over my shoulder as I began to walk down the sidewalk, every step feeling like a weight was under my feet.
This morning I felt abnormally tired—something I haven't felt in a while considering my semblance of a nightly routine. I spotted the bus stop nestled underneath a few trees in the shade, a small number of students clad in different uniforms already waiting there. I instantly recognized a few of the uniforms and what schools they belonged to.
I felt a tiny grumble in my stomach, even if I had eaten a light breakfast of grain cereal, a contrast to the colorful cereals with vibrant cartoon characters on them I can almost recall in America. At that moment, I quickly deliberated as I buried my head in my phone. I could either stop by the convenience store and get something for free under Garry's supervision, or I could wait until my lunch period to eat something more quantifiable—like the rice and soy sauce they provided—it always seemed to fill my stomach to the point of bloatedness.
From my position I analyzed my current direction. The convenience store was nestled within town, which was near the U.A building, but at the same time quite a walk. Also, the population of the morning would be a problem. What if numerous patrons rushed into the store wanting to buy something cheap like an energy bar to wake them up, or a cup of cheap coffee or hot chocolate.
On the contrary, waiting among the students for my correct bus, which was somewhat tedious to analyze since almost all buses within the Hosu School District appeared the same, say, a few inscrutable differences—with colored trim or window wipers. And the current population of the bus stop consisted mostly of boys who were taller than me, all dawning either tired or annoyed expressions on their faces. Some of them were slouched over and yawning, others were on social media and texting their friends, and the last of the group had papers splayed out on the benches, hurrying like a rabbit to finish their homework before their deadlines.
If I were to approach them, what if I would annoy them by my presence? The sleepy kids might be pissed off, the boys on their phone might feel the same way. As for the students scribbling down on their homework, I might mess up their work and they'll have my head on the bench in the next minute.
As I thought and considered the possibilities I remained silent and still like a monolith, almost like I was either drawing attention to myself or wanting to remain hidden. I stepped to my left and leaned against a thick bush, letting out a long sigh as I made a decision. I'd go to Garry's convenience store and pick up an energy bar, maybe some hot chocolate too.
...
The tiny overhead bell over the door rang out quietly as I pushed it open, stepping into the store and smelling the familiar aroma of coffee coming from the pot nestled in the corner. The morning ambience of the store was tranquil and silent. Only a few patrons were in a small line near the counter, waiting for their beverages to be finished in the coffee pot.
I stuffed my hands in my pockets as I walked into an aisle near the front of the store, which was where most of the energy bars and convenience-style snacks would be kept. Most of the energy bars came in flavors like cocoa brownie, Hokkaido butter, and almond, something I felt my stomach growling in conflict over which one was the best.
Something like cocoa brownie would surely make my tastebuds light on fire, but the sugar count on the bar made me question if it was a dessert rather than a physical fitness food. The Hokkaido butter bar seemed perfect in all angles except for its potato flavoring. I've eaten potato related foods before, but only during lunch or a light snack for the most part. I didn't wanna connect my breakfast with lunch in any way, as that would only make me hungrier.
The almond bar was laced with a few chocolate chunks, and its nice, light brown color gave it the appearance that it wasn't dark and calorie-packed, while also not over-the-top packed with sugar and stimulants. I nodded to myself as I picked up the bar, heading over the counter—the line having now cleared up.
I put the almond bar on the counter and looked towards Garry, who was occupied by cleaning the coffee pot. "I'll be right there, this blasted thing always wanna get so dirty..." He grumbled.
After he finished cleaning the pot he finally turned towards me, my eyes widening when I took in his appearance. His left eye was bruised blue, and he had a bandage over his nose.
"What happened to you?" I took a step back, my eyes widening slightly as I felt goosebumps tantalize my skin.
"Yeah...uhm...I don't wanna talk about it. Thanks for bein' worried, my Ina would have hit me with er' own slippers." The convenience store worker offered me a shaky smile, but behind his green eyes I could obviously see something deeper.
"Well..." I paused for a beat, my face remaining on his features as I sighed softly. "Would you mind making me a little hot chocolate if it's not that much trouble?"
"Sure, Zakky." Garry turned around and smiled, opening one of the drawers and shuffling through it before taking out a packet of hot chocolate mix.
"You're gonna make us run out of it soon, kiddo. My managers gonna be so confused on why we're askin' for cocoa in the spring—hell, almost summer!" He turned on the coffee pot, pouring in some water and mixing it with the cocoa mix in a different filter.
I stuffed my hands inside my uniform pocket as I watched the cocoa begin to brew. The hot water that Garry had added to the pot gradually darkened as the chocolate flavoring was added to it. After about five minutes the machine let out a small 'ding' noise, and the stubbled man took out the pot, pouring some into a reusable cup and adding a small amount of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
"Thanks." I took the cocoa with a small smile, taking a sip and feeling the liquid rush down my throat, warming my body up in a way that the school heaters couldn't even fathom.
"Don't mention it. You've been my loyal customer for the past few months so it's on the house." Garry smiled, leaning against the counter as he ran a hand through his blonde stubble.
I wanted to express my gratitude to him, but I didn't know how. My stomach fluttered a little as I shoved the almond bar in the young man's direction. "How much is this?"
"Fifty cents." He replied, picking up the bar.
"Ahh, I see you have taste my friend." Garry's voice lowered, and he took on an over-exaggerated accent, as if to impersonate a wizard from a fantasy story. Even if he tried his best to be funny, I didn't find the joke all that amusing—as I was still half asleep.
My hands dove into my uniform pockets before taking out the required money. Most of the coins were worn down and unpolished since whenever my mother did the laundry they were washed alongside the uniform. I got the coins from picking them up as I went along to school, to the park, and other places. Over time I amassed a somewhat large amount, almost enough to buy myself a nice shirt or something somewhat fancy.
"Damm, did the coins go through hell and back?" Garry raised an eyebrow, amused as he stuffed them into the cash register and handed me the bar.
"More like the laundry." I chortled.
I unwrapped the almond bar and took a bite, feeling the flavors enter my mouth and melt on my tongue. It seemed to accompany the hot chocolate as if on a date, the two made perfect for eachother. All of a sudden, I saw Garry grunt in pain as he leaned forward against the counter, pressing two fingers against his glabella.
My eyes widened as I darted over, raising his chin. "Are you ok?" I asked, my voice ringing with obvious concern.
"Yeah...that bastard gave me a real good beating though." Garry replied, that same smile remaining on his face amidst the pain he was feeling.
All of a sudden a few thoughts flashed through my mind. Garry had described his attacker as "that bastard" meaning he had only been attacked by one individual. Judging from the bruises on his face and the wound on his nose I could guess they were strong—only physically adept people can make a person look in such a way.
"You better go back to that little store and beat the shit out of that worker, or I'll ensure your back is against a wheelchair."
My father had done the job for me.
"Why didn't you say it was my father?!" I grabbed Garry by the shoulders, the veins bulging in my head as I held back a torrent of pent-up anger.
"I didn't want you getting hurt...if you knew it was him...you might have done something—call the cops, get him arrested. He'd be pissed!" Garry's voice was filled to the brim with regret, but at the same time—anger and fear.
My gaze darted over to the phone behind the counter, my teeth gritting as I ran over to it.
"Don't, you'll be putting yourself in danger! I don't want you getting hurt!" Garry extended his arm, wrapping it around my shoulder, his fingernails burying into my skin with enough force to draw blood.
"I need to! I've lived with this alcoholic, self-stuck bastard for too long!" My vision turned red as I furiously punched the numbers to the police station into the dialing numbers. My mother had taught me the police's phone number in case any issues arose, whether between myself or someone I knew.
My finger darted towards the call button, but before I could press it, I felt a shove against my shoulder, sending me back a few steps. Garry had shoved me away from the phone, moisture accumulating in the corners of his eyes.
"I want to protect you—he'll beat you til you can't walk if the police come knocking at his door!"
My breaths suddenly grew shaky, almost erratic as I stumbled back, the corners of my eyesight blurring slightly as I felt my face cooling down. I had just attempted to get my father arrested. Even if it felt good—at the same time—I felt a small pit forming in my stomach at the thought of me calling them and telling them all the details.
My father was the backbone of the family, and having him gone would instantly lead to our eviction. If he were to disappear, so would our life.