THE BOY SHE COULDN'T SAVE

I wondered if I would ever be happy. I didn't know why that thought crossed my mind as I stood outside the school gate, staring at the unfamiliar buildings and the students moving around like they had known each other forever. Maybe it was because everything felt strange. A new school. A new classroom. New faces. And me? Still the same old me. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked through the gate. I wasn't expecting anything. I just wanted to get through the day without drawing too much attention to myself. When I entered the classroom, conversations seemed to pause for a moment. A few students looked at me. Some whispered. I pretended not to notice. "You're the new student, right?" I looked up. It was the teacher. "Yes, sir." He nodded and turned toward the class. "Everyone, we have a new student joining us today. Make him feel welcome." I stood there awkwardly while everyone looked at me. "Introduce yourself", the teacher instructed. I cleared my throat. "My name is..." I paused. For some reason, saying my name in front of all those people felt strangely uncomfortable. I eventually said it and quietly walked toward the empty seat the teacher pointed out. At the back. Perfect! I sat down and opened my notebook. I had no intention of making friends. I was perfectly fine keeping to myself. At least I had to convince myself that way.