I was contemplating in my seat as Yana walked into our temporary classroom right after Maris. I watched her move her bag from her chair to settle in. And then she glanced at me, mouthing a ‘thank you’ for bringing her things ahead. But I could only stare at her. Somehow, I couldn’t find the strength to return her smile.
Maris had already secured her place next to me and I don’t know if I should be grateful to her for sparing me the blow hitting me right in the face. I don’t know if I could take it: standing face to face with Yana, and hearing those words come out of her lips.
The mere thought of it only fed the coward in me that I couldn’t help feeling even worse. Maris was silent too, and I didn’t want to talk either way so I let the quietness rule over us for the time being.
“I see R
