Going back to school doesn’t feel right at first, as if my body and soul have separated and lived in two different worlds. But after a few days, it reminds me that I must move on, that there is a fresh new life awaiting me. Catching up with my friends, catching up on work, worrying about the littlest things in life like what to wear, what to take for lunch, what to plan for the summer, makes my world feel real and freer.
Living with Ruth and my adoptive parents doesn’t bother me anymore. In fact, having a safe place to stay with a family feels gratifying. The house across from mine sits lifeless as usual, not a soul lurking in or around it. At night, I sometimes see the lights turn on and sigh in relief knowing Alistair is still there.
We haven’t spoken properly since the explosion, but
