THE SHIFT
469 Words
It's been a few days since I started writing.
Nothing special has happened.
At least... not on the outside.
Inside is different.
I've stopped trying completely now.
Not just in class.
In everything.
The teacher asked for assignments today.
I didn't submit mine.
Not because I didn't do it.
I did.
I just didn't see the point.
She called my name twice.
I looked up the second time.
Everyone turned to stare at me.
Waiting.
Expecting something.
"I forgot," I said.
That was enough.
People accept simple lies more easily than complicated truths.
The truth is...
I didn't forget.
I just didn't care.
Something about that felt... freeing.
People are starting to leave me alone now.
It didn't happen all at once.
Just slowly.
Like I'm fading in the background of their lives.
Except her.
She still notices.
Still looks at me like she's trying to figure something out.
Like she hasn't decided to give up on me yet.
She sat next to me today.
Didn't ask for permission.
Just sat down like it was normal.
"You've been quiet," she said.
I didn't answer.
"You don't talk to anyone anymore."
Still nothing.
She sighed.
Not annoyed.
Just... tired.
"I know something's wrong," she said.
That made me look at her.
For a second longer than I should have.
Most people don't say things like that.
They pretend not to notice.
It's easier for them.
"Nothing's wrong," I told her.
She didn't believe me.
I could tell.
"You don't have to tell me," she said softly.
"But don't shut everyone out."
Everyone.
It's funny how people say that like it's a bad thing.
She stayed there for a while.
Talking about random things.
Things I wasn't really listening to.
But I didn't tell her to leave.
That's new.
I noticed something today.
When you stop reacting, people don't know how to handle you.
But when someone keeps trying anyway...
It feels different.
Not warm.
Not comforting.
Just... noticeable.
I tried something again.
Someone greeted me.
I ignored them.
They walked away.
Confused.
But she didn't.
She nudged my arm lightly.
"Don't be rude," she said.
Rude.
I almost laughed.
Not because it was funny.
But because it felt strange.
Being corrected like that... without judgment.
I don't understand her.
People usually leave when things become difficult.
When someone becomes too quiet.
Too distant.
Too much effort.
But she hasn't.
I don't know why.
And I'm not sure if I should let her stay.
Because if there's one thing I've learned-
It's that people don't stay forever.
And when they leave...
They always take something with them.
I think I'd rather have nothing left to take.
Still...
I didn't move away when she sat next to me again today.
I don't know what that means yet.
But I'll figure it out.
- Writer
