Perhaps Jessie had been correct, the temperature was a tad scorching, much higher than he had anticipated. A trickle of sweat dropped down the back of his neck followed by another and another. His shirt clung to his clammy skin which only worsened the issue-and they'd only been exposed to the heat for a total of six and a half minutes (he'd counted).

It was a sauna out there. All things considered, it would have behooved them to carry a water bottle for hydration, albeit none of them had thought that far. It wouldn't have surprised him in the least if the paint began to peel off the buildings or signs. The hottest temperature of the summer so far was happening today, nearing the record high set quite a few years back.

Stop whining. It's your fault. You should have listened to Jessie

He should have known; dark colors on an excruciatingly hot day was suicide. If only it were that easy. What if the teachers left the windows open all day? He would be hot, hot and sweaty. Hot and sweaty all day until school was over. It wasn't as if he could simply take off his shirt-

"Ravi!" The blaring noise of a car horn surrounded him. He thought he heard someone yelling but wasn't quite sure. Slowly, he blinked, trying to get a grip on his bearings. Zuri and Luke were at the end of the crosswalk, motioning wildly for him to move. To his left, the driver of the abruptly stopped car was yelling obscenities and shaking her fist. Now look what you've done.

People were staring, snickering, shaking their heads. With a little more pace in his step, he hurried to the end of the crosswalk and joined his siblings. They were understandably exasperated, maybe even mortified.

I know I would be if I had a brother that was a disappointment

"Dude, what was that?" Had Luke not gone through majority of puberty, his voice would have heightened in pitch. His eyes were wide and there was some kind of emotion clouding over his face that Ravi couldn't name. Amusement? "You just stopped. That's weird even for you."

He couldn't even act concerned without insulting him? Should I be happy he noticed?

"You could've gotten hit by that car," Zuri frowned.

Ravi saw the driver of that car start to head off, not without giving him the finger, though. "I know," he sighed heavily. He just wanted to get on with it or they would be late. "Can we just go? I still need to go to my locker."

"Are you sure?" Luke was oddly...caring. Why? "We can take a break if you need to."

So you can make fun of me for it later?

This was a joke, something to make him let his guard down. Ravi narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He didn't know what Luke had planned to do to him, presumably in retalience for the lecture Jessie had put him through, but he knew one thing: he wasn't falling for it.

"I'm fine," he replied coolly, promptly turning on his heel and continuing their walk. "Unless you would care to be late on the first day, I suggest you start walking."

He didn't see Luke and Zuri exchanging concerned glances or hear the subtle whisper.

All he wanted to do was arrive safely. People, people made him nervous. And being in New York, there were far too many roaming the streets for his liking. Some tried to be friendly and smile, others ignored him and some were just pain rude; exhibit a being Miss-distracted-and-drinking-expensive-coffee-that-nearly-spilled-on-him.

You were in her way. Everyone knows you should stick to the end of the sidewalk. But noooo, you're too mad at the world to care or remember. If anyone's rude, it's you

The rest of the way there was a blur to Ravi. He knew he was moving; his legs were averaging at a sufficient stride and he was passing by several buildings. But it was all in a haze; slow motion. His hand flew up to his head. Was he dizzy? Should he have eaten more breakfast?

You would have if Luke hadn't ate it all

Why didn't he just stay in bed? Fake a cold that would have mysteriously vanished in a few days or create realistic looking vomit to spew all over his bed. It was uncharacteristic of him, more of a stunt Luke would pull after procrastinating on an assignment for two weeks.

"I can't believe it!" Ravi flinched. "Hailey Long just posted a picture of her and Kate Saunders walking to school together."

"So?" Luke didn't understand what the big deal was, and for once, Ravi had the same train of thought. "What's wrong with that?"

"What's wrong is that she didn't ask me to walk with her," Zuri huffed, vexed by the situation and her brother's ignorance.

"I thought you hated her?"

"That doesn't mean she gets to exclude me like that," their sister flipped some of her hair back, tying it into a short ponytail. "I've never done that to her."

"Actually, didn't you dump a bucket of blue paint over her head and Jessie had to come get you and practically beg the teacher not to ban you from class?" Luke mused.

Zuri waved the thought away, shrugging. "Yeah but that's in the past." A moment passed by and she added, "I'm sure glad I don't have Mrs. Rodriguez this year. She was cray cray with a capital C."

Ravi's hands clenched and unclenched. There was a great desire to defend this teacher, she didn't deserve to be a victim of Zuri's jokes. Had she completely lost her manners? It was entirely unacceptable!

Speak up and say something if you're so upset

Why? So they can think I'm crazy?

Maybe you are crazy

Was he? Was everything just in his head? No one else seemed to discern anything other than what was going on in their own little world. Maybe he was crazy and the issues he was facing was all apart of a delusion.

If that was the case, how does one escape? God knows he wanted to.

There it was, they'd made it with fifteen minutes to spare. How fortunate. Zuri trotted off to the middle school portion of the building, bopping her head to the music streaming from her phone.

Ravi's heart hammered almost too forcefully for one person to bear. He was sure he was trembling or perhaps his legs were merely caught off guard from the walk they'd made; he hadn't so much as left the penthouse all summer long unless Jessie dragged him.

He felt sick; nauseous. With the combination of the heat, his nerves and lack of proper nutrition, he could've very well upchucked at any moment. He inhaled and exhaled, slowly, becoming frantic as the sensation arose further until it was at the very back of his throat.

No, please no

He pinched the bridge of his nose, harder and harder until it hurt. He swallowed thickly, grimacing at the traces of bitter acid in his throat. The nausea left, a massive relief to his stomach but the fluttering butterflies did not. He lifted his head, his eyes making eye contact with a couple of girls that he didn't remember the names of. They glanced at him, bursting into giggles and whispering.

It's about you. You're weird. They think you're weird and school hasn't even started

Ravi was used to that sort of behavior. Everyone thought that way, even the teachers. Even his family.

He was curious as to why his brother hadn't said a word, even after he was hunched over, ready to vomit on the sidewalk. What is he-oh. Of course. Luke had already gone inside. Without him.

He sighed, shoulders slumping. Of course he wouldn't walk in with him. Not with the nerdy outcast of the school. Luke was popular and popular people didn't associate with the losers. Not even if that loser was his own brother.

Should I have expected different? His smile was bitter.

The school had virtually stayed the same, save for the 'Welcome Back' banner that hung over the staircase, facing the front doors. Students crowded the hallways, conversations erupting in loud voices over how their summers had been and who had what classes. Unlike everyone else Ravi didn't have anyone to meet up with. Shocker there. A quick stop at his locker to drop off his heavy afternoon textbooks was needed and then he could make a head start toward his first hour, English.

A map of the school would have surely been helpful; Ravi was keen on avoiding the jocks or anyone of high stature. Most of the popular people lingered in the cafeteria until the warning bell rang, but it wasn't unusual to see a few stray ones in the hallway or an empty classroom doing God knows what. (He preferred not to think of the possibilities).

Luke hung out with the jocks typically, despite not being involved in any kind of sport himself. His presence lured the others in while Ravi's repulsed them.

"Well, look who it is, boys."

Ravi's breath hitched in fear. He shouldn't be here. Why is he here?

"Looks like little Robby decided to come after all," Mitch cracked his knuckles threateningly.

"Did Mrs. Mommy and Mr. Daddy make you?" one of Mitch's friends teased.

It had been once, one time Luke blurted out that at an earlier point in time that was the way he'd refer to their parents. Seemingly innocent enough until he was cornered in the hallway, conveniently when there was no sign of a teacher in sight, and taunted over it.

Jessie said it would go away.

Zuri and Emma giggled because it was a bit funny.

Luke said to get over it and stop being so dramatic. They were just having fun.

Never mind that it bothered him; never mind that it shouldn't have been exposed in the first place.

Ravi tried to maneuver around them as the junior locker hallway was fairly close but being that they were a lot bigger than he was, it left little room to pass.

"Hey!" It was the dream resurfacing. Mitch grabbed the front of his shirt, bringing him in, invading any person space that either of them had. "I was talkin to you, Ross."

"I heard you," Ravi responded weakly.

"Then answer me, stupid!"

Are you really calling me stupid when you're the one that had to repeat eighth grade? He gave Ravi a rough shake, putting a strain on his delicate stomach and furthering a headache that had just begun to commence. When it was all said and done, Mitch let him go but not before he shoved Ravi with his huge, meaty hands. It sent him tumbling to the floor, sprawling out on his back.

Owww. Something in his backpack, a book or the protractor needed for geometry, was poking him right in the spine. The sound of Mitch and his friend sniggering was difficult to make out over the blood that was pounding in his ears. Were other students laughing as well? Had they witnessed his helplessness?

Mitch bent down beside him, clamping his elbow down on Ravi's scrawny forearm. He gasped at the sudden onset of intense pain, emitting squeaky breaths. "Does that hurt little Robby?" Mitch taunted as he dug in further, causing Ravi to cry out. "Awww poor Robby."

Where are the teachers? Didn't anyone hear him? They must have; a student at least. Why wasn't anyone stepping in to help? Because no one cares. Because you're not popular. People only care about the popular people.

People only care about you when you're gone.

"Look at him!" Mitch's friend pointed to a squirming Ravi, overcome with a bout of laughter.

"I'm barely doing anything," Mitch chuckled.

Barely? Considering my arm is turning blue I'd say otherwise.

"God, what a dork."

"Please," Ravi was defeated. Begging was the last thing he wanted to do to Mitch of all people. He'd hoped it would all subside after a minute or so, until he got bored. As intimidating as he was, Mitch had a short attention span. Except when it comes to me. "I shall do your homework or whatever it is you want me to do, just get off of me." He whispered it, pushing back his tears of pain.

Feigning a thoughtful expression, Mitch tapped his chin with his free hand. "Tempting," he said with a nasty grin. "Very tempting."

"Make him do mine too, dude," Mitch's friend suggested. Mitch nodded stupidly.

"Yeah, yeah. Do Ethan's too! Got that, Ross?"

Ravi didn't have time to answer; the sound of high heels clicking filled the area and upon glancing up, he saw a rather stern looking older woman with her greying hair pulled back in a tight bun.

"Just what is going on here?" she demanded, crossing her arms across her chest. She squinted at Ravi and Mitch through her glasses. "Why are you on the floor, young man?"

As he did with every teacher, Mitch switched to his innocent. Ravi was baffled as to how he suckered them all in, even the principal. "Ravi fell, ma'am. I was just helping him up."

Liar! Ravi screamed in his mind. He staggered to his feet, inching backwards towards the wall with an accusing finger pointed at the bully. "I didn't fall, he shoved me!" This woman must be new, the new fill in for the library position that was needed to be fulfilled after their previous librarian retired. Maybe she would believe him.

This new woman pursed her lips, flipping her gaze from Mitch to Ravi. "He shoved you?" she was clearly irritated at having to deal with the situation this early in the morning.

"He's lying ma'am," Mitch's friend, Ethan, added to the frustration. Shut up! "Ravi always lies."

"He does, does he?" The new woman's disapproving gaze was back on him. He could've cried. Trust Mitch and his friend to ruin the only possible person he might have been able to turn to. "What's your name?" she addressed Ravi.

"Ravi Ross," he could feel a blush staining his cheeks.

"What grade are you in?" she had taken out a notepad and was writing this information down.

"Eleventh," he replied, ashamed.

"I'll keep my eye on you. It's the first day so I'll be lenient, but you can bet your bottom dollar if I hear that you're crying bully again you'll be in the principal's office faster than you can say detention," with that, she walked away, muttering under her breath about delinquent brats.

Tears brimmed in his eyes and this time he didn't fight it. It was just the first day and he already had an authoritative enemy. Why couldn't Mitch just leave him alone?

His backpack was weighing down his shoulder so he slid it off, dropping it to the floor. Or, that's what he intended to do; Mitch seized his backpack, zipping it open and allowed the contents to fall to the floor. Ethan came forward, kicking his pencil holder to the far side of the school.

"Opps," Mitch shrugged, grinning wickedly. "My bad, Robby." He clapped Ravi on the back, enough to take his breath away. He and Ethan departed, laughing and pushing each other. Ravi remained, staring at the mess emotionlessly.

"Good morning, class." Despite having to spend a few minutes cleaning up, reorganizing his backpack and finally arriving at his locker to exchange textbooks; Ravi made it to his first hour class on time. Fortunately Mitch wasn't in that class. Unfortunately, it wasn't as early as formally anticipated so he was stuck with a seat in the very far back row, against the wall. It might not be all that bad, without the limelight of the front row, there might not be any disturbances to his education. He didn't think he could take another spitball.

The teacher was a pretty young woman, unlike the new librarian. She must have just been out of college or whatever educational institution she attended. Her hair was honey brown and pulled into a high ponytail that showed off her petite face. She looked out of place in the dull classroom with her bright pink shorts, neon green shirt and bright red lipstick. She even wore a pair of converse the same shade as her lipstick.

She must be new as well

With a critical eye, she peered over the class, raising a brow at the lack of obedience. She'll get used to it, unfortunately. Barring Ravi and a girl that was a row over, everyone else was chatting absentmindedly or checking their cell phones. Can we say addiction?

"If y'all don't wanna lose those phones of yours you'd better put them away."

It was like magic; they were shoved simultaneously into backpacks or pockets and all attention was on her.

"Thank you," she said with a sweet smile. "I'm Miss Zenon-"

"Like the movie?" one girl interjected, only to look sheepish when all eyes turned to her. "Sorry..."

Do you not have any manners?

Miss Zenon laughed. "Yes, exactly. Just like the movie," she reached into one of the drawers to her desk. "Here, have a kit kat," she tossed it at the girl who caught it easily. "Any other questions?"

"Are you single?" One of the boys to Ravi's right quipped. The rest of the boys, excluding Ravi, snickered.

Immaturity at its finest

Miss Zenon smirked. "Any other appropriate questions?"

Katie Zimmerman raised her hand. "If I may, how old are you? You seem a little bit young for a teacher."

I am quite interested to know myself

Miss Zenon shrugged. She must have expected that particular question to arise. "Twenty two. I graduated high school pretty early."

That's so impressive

"Whoa, so you're like a genius," Ben Frailey marveled. "Why'd you become a teacher then?" He scoffed at the end. Ravi bit his tongue to avoid speaking. And avoid a punch later. He'd been there and done that already.

"I'm not really a 'genius' per say," Miss Zenon used air quotes, amusement sparkling in her eyes, "I just process stuff easier. And I like working with kids, sorry, young adults," she corrected herself with a smile. "They're interesting. My mom wanted me to be a doctor or lawyer or a scientist." She let out a snort.

"How did she react when you became a teacher instead?" Katie asked with curiosity in her voice. "Was she mad?"

"Not really mad but just disappointed because she thought I was wasting my intelligence," Miss Zenon explained. "You know how it is, parents just want the best for their kids."

The class was silent, mulling over her answers.

"But why English?" Ben burst out. "What's so great about that?"

Miss Zenon leaned back against her desk, legs crossed at the ankle with her elbows propped for support. She seemed pleased that he asked. "I've always loved it; loved writing essays and reading through the stories. It's very relaxing to me and I hope this year some of you may realize you enjoy it too."

"Oh boy, another Ravi," someone whispered, eliciting stifled laughter from the rest of the class.

Ravi's cheeks reddened when Miss Zenon's gaze fell on him, granted, she didn't exactly know it was him but it wasn't hard to deduce.

What did I ever do to become the laughing stock of the school?

"See now that's not gonna work," she came to a standing position again, raising her eyebrows. "I don't tolerate bullying, cyberbullying or whatever it is you kids are using nowadays. I don't care if you don't like someone for whatever reason; in this classroom it's not gonna fly. Now if I hear another remark like that or worse, you're going to the principal's office. No warnings, no nothing. You guys are juniors, you're old enough to know better. I shouldn't have to say this."

You shouldn't, yet you have to

There was a low murmuring that echoed around the classroom. Some of the more vocal students didn't appreciate the reprimand or knowing that while in Miss Zenon's class they weren't going to get away with nearly as much as they could elsewhere. Ravi was almost...hopeful.

"Look, I don't want to be 'that' teacher," Miss Zenon told them, "I don't want to be super strict with y'all and do boring projects and essays all the time. I want this to be a time where you guys can grow creatively and relax. But if no one wants to cooperate I'll gladly give you guys enough work for a few hours of homework every night. Is that what you want?"

I think I might actually like her

The class gave a collective no.

"Good," her face softened and she clapped her hands. "Now that we got that out of the way, let's work on some introductions and a little info about yourself."

"But Miss Zenon," It was Katie again, raising her hand, "what about the syllabus? We haven't gone over it yet."

An 'Oh crap' grimace crossed Miss Zenon's face. She'd evidently forgotten about it. "Oh, yeah. I suppose we should," she picked up a copy of the paper, studying it. "Eh, you'll hear about it in your other classes too, no need to go over it completely." She set it back down. "I only have three rules, really: no bullying, no food unless I say it's okay and be in your seat by the time the bell rings. Other than that, you guys are in charge of this-to an extent," she added when a few people smirked. "Don't think you're getting out of homework."

Miraculously, Ravi could feel a tad excited about this class. Not only was Miss Zenon proving herself to be a competent teacher, but this didn't resemble his previous English classes at all. Sometimes teachers would regard him with cation, expecting him to be another Luke. Other times they just flat out told him how much of an annoyance he was for wanting to answer every question (which was probably not allowed but he wasn't about to go stirring up a ruckus).

If you weren't such a try hard they wouldn't have anything to use against you

They are teachers; they shouldn't use anything against a student

But they do it to you. How pathetic is that?

It's...it's not my fault

Than who's is it? Luke's?

Ravi almost jumped out of his seat. Something scratchy touched his arm. It was just someone passing him a paper; he was the last one to receive one. Typical. The girl (he was fairly terrible at remembering names, even thus far in his high school career) was staring at him weirdly. He could have sworn she made a crazy gesture as she returned to her friends.

He glanced at the paper that had a dozen questions ready to be filled out.

What is your name?

Where did you grow up at?

Do you have any siblings?

What is your favorite food?

What is your favorite book?

What is your favorite movie?

What is your favorite genre of music?

What are your hobbies?

What's your favorite school subject ? P.s. Lunch doesn't count

What do you want to do after graduation?

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

The last one wasn't really a question; it did provoke some anxiety from within.

Draw yourself with enough room in the middle; write down how you think of yourself (A minimum of three) and how you think others perceive you (A minimum of three). Then share with a classmate and write how you think of that person.

No, no, no

She couldn't be serious. Was she trying to to stir things up? They wouldn't let an opprotunity to torture him to go to waste. Just his luck. Of course when he thought everything was going well and that bomb dropped on him.

"You have," she looked at the watch on her wrist, "let's say ten minutes. Ten minutes to work on your answers and ten minutes for a classmate. Go!"

Ravi slumped; his headache was much worse now. It wasn't as if he had a choice in the matter, he didn't want to get sent to the principal's office for insubordination. He reached into his backpack and unzipped his pencil case. He could do this, it wouldn't be that hard. Shouldn't be.

The first few questions were easy enough, though he did tense up at having to answer, yes, he did have siblings. He was unsure if a simple yes would be adequate or if she wanted a more detailed explanation that included their names and ages. He chose the latter.

Now when it came to the others, that was when it grew more difficult. He didn't have a particular food that was his favorite. He'd grown fond of curry and waffles were a preferred substance. He wrote those down.

Music wasn't something he listened to enough to accumulate favorites. What would he even write down for the movie portion? It had been months since he'd sat down and watched one. Zuri, Emma or Luke usually dominated the TV anyway, giving him less of a chance to watch anything.

You haven't really tried either

The book question stumped him for a moment. He had read many books and harbored a multitude of favorites. His parents had given him another bookshelf to accommodate them all. What should he choose? He wondered. He ended up writing down the most recent one.

Did he have any hobbies? Video games used to be something he enjoyed doing with Luke before stuff happened. As of recently, it didn't provide any sort of pleasure as it once had. Big fat nope to that one. Not unless baking counted. Then again, he wasn't very good.

You aren't good at a lot of things

He added reading. That was something he could do for hours and never grow bored with.

He answered the one about his favorite school subject and tackled on the next two. He honestly hadn't given much thought of life after graduation. You should, you only have two years left. Do you intend on procrastinating your entire life? He'd wanted to pursue something science related as a child but, now that he really thought about it, would he even qualified?

"Annnd done!" Miss Zenon announced. Ravi's jaw dropped. He hadn't meant to daydream that long. He..he wasn't even finished! "Now switch with a classmate."

Everyone around him partnered up, chatting lowly. Everyone except him. Did they not have enough students? Was he going to be alone? Again. He noticed that a girl, the one who had passed him the paper earlier, didn't have a partner either. She glanced around, purposefully avoiding Ravi's eye. She doesn't want you as her partner. No one does. Her friends were together and giving her sympathetic looks. One whispered into her ear.

"Is there a problem?" Miss Zenon asked her after realizing she was still seated.

"Uh, no, Miss Zenon," she mumbled, resigned. "Just getting my things." Because there was no other option, she trudged over and sat in the desk next to Ravi, not even making an effort to act friendly. Without so much as saying hello, she switched the papers and immediately turned her eyes on him, irked.

"You didn't even finish it," she whispered incredulously. "It was literally the easiest assignment ever. How did you not finish?"

Because you're stupid, that's why. You can't even answer a few questions

"I just ran out of time," it was half the truth. When he wasn't critiquing himself, he was struggling to come up with an answer that didn't border pathetic. Most of the questions were for happy, optimistic people that had dreams, goals. Who had bright futures ahead of them.

Hannah, as indicated by her paper, rolled her eyes. She was angry. Angry at him. "Ugh, you didn't even do the last one."

Look what you've done

And it's just the first day

Why are you even here if you insist upon messing up every single time?

"I am very sorry," he was sincere. Why did they have to have partners anyway? It would have saved him the trouble of wasting her time.

"Whatever," she huffed. "Just do mine, kay? Least I'll get half credit."

He did, suppressing a yawn. The pencil felt unnaturally heavy. Was it just him? Did others feel that too? You're such a freak. He didn't know much about Hannah so he stuck to basics; kind, intelligent and- He glanced at her, stumped. What else was there to say?

He settled on funny, rather inaccurate given that he couldn't recall ever interacting with her before.

"Thanks," she sounded the opposite but he wouldn't dwell.

You do enough of that already

They were the first group done. Neither of them felt like conversing which was fine by Ravi. He kept his mouth shut and passed the time by tapping his foot on the floor. Hannah twisted in her chair, facing her friends and waited until she had thought Miss Zenon wasn't paying attention to try and whisper. Probably about him. Probably about how he failed as a partner and she was going to suffer if they were taken for a grade.

She didn't account for Miss Zenon turning back around just as her lips were moving. She froze, laughing sheepishly. Their teacher was not impressed.

"What's your name?"

"Hannah Newman," Hannah mumbled. The whole class stopped to stare.

"Hannah, why aren't you working with your partner?"

"We're done."

"This early?" Miss Zenon wasn't convinced. "And you answered all the questions and did the last one?"

"Well, no," Hannah was forced to admit, "but it wasn't my fault! Ravi didn't finish them all!" She jerked her thumb back at him. Miss Zenon's gaze flickered to him and it wasn't angry or upset like he'd expected. Like it should have been.

"Can you tell me why, Ravi?" she asked him kindly.

"I-I just ran out of time," he said truthfully.

"That's okay," she told him. "I expected there to be a few like that. If you want, you can-" out of the corner of her eye she saw someone's hand raised. "You could have waited until I was done talking..." she soon forgot all about Ravi and focused on that other boy.

Did you expect any different?

The end of class could not come fast enough. Just before the two minute mark, they were instructed to return back to their original seats and to rearrange any moved desks the way it had been. Hannah was glad she didn't have to be near him anymore. Ravi wasn't surprised by the whispers or glances in his direction when she and her friends were reunited.

Miss Zenon sat on the edge of her desk, swinging her legs back and forth. "Well, guys, that was painless, right?"

Some shrugged.

"Tomorrow we'll read some of those papers out loud and get started on our first unit. As you walk out, hand your paper to me unless you think you won't lose it between now and then."

The bell rang just seconds after. Ravi was the last one to stand up. He'd just get shoved anyway. He handed Miss Zenon his still incomplete paper and was about to move on to his next class when she stopped him.

"Ravi, wait!"

He turned back around.

"Are you sure you want to hand this in? I'm grading it right after we read a few and I don't want to give you half credit on your first assignment," she frowned. "Don't you want to take this home and work on it? I won't count it against you if you do."

It's not like it matters. You'll just fail anyway

But she might call my parents or Jessie

Pifft. Like they'll care. You're just the little weirdo that they don't know what to do with

"Erm, yes ma'am," he reached for it back. You're such a goody goody. Yes ma'am, yes ma'am. What a nerd.

"Well don't let me twist your arm," she peered at him, taking a moment before speaking again. "Are you okay?"

No

I've never been okay

"I'm just tired," he lied.

Miss Zenon chewed on her lower lip. "I'm not surprised. It'll probably take time to get used to this whole school thing again."

"Yes," he nodded. "Miss Zenon, if I may, I need to-" he gestured toward the door.

"Oh! Right!" There were a few students lingering by the door. "Yeah, sure. See you tomorrow, Ravi."

He didn't bother to reply. His mind replayed the events that just occurred over and over again. Disappointment. He was only ever eliciting disappointment from everyone.

Why don't you just end it and get it over with?