PLACES TO GO

Chapter 1: Playful

It was a sunny morning, and the sun's rays sneaked under the white and simple curtains of the room, "they need a wash," thought Frisk when they saw and finally decided to get up from his bed; which they made delicately as best they could. Once finished look at the other next to them, which was completely untidy ... could swear that I had at least 3 days like that. They just let out a small sigh and went straight to the bathroom to get ready; It was school morning... nothing to get excited about.

The apartment they lived in was really small, but were the cheapest in the city, knew that those were the only ones she could afford and were designed for only one person. Frisk and Omeliah barely settled. In his room he accommodated only two single beds and a small closet that both shared. Outside there were only two other doors and a tiny bathroom, Frisk despite being small felt quite traped there. On the other hand, the kitchen was barely larger, the stove was old and cumbersome, ironically the refrigerator was almost as small as a minibar. And finally, a living room improvised by a two seat couch, and a piece of furniture for the television, a few books at the side, most belonged to Frisk; A small table with two folding chairs as an excuse for a dining room. But what stood out most about the house was undoubtedly the desk where the computer was located, and the computer itself was functional and that was the most you could say about it.

Frisk walked (although there was not much to go) the place, as if looking for something, stopped in the kitchen, quiet because they found what they were looking for, or rather who.

"You're awake ..." Omeliah's voice echoed inside the small box that the apartment is. She was making Coffee with the same neutral and seemingly selfless expression.

Both eyes met, they seemed completely blank, neutral, but for both they seemed to give a clear message, as a signal to move forward with a common routine. Frisk enters in silence, as always, that's never questioned, and take the things they need, for some reason or rather for any reason tries to stack all the things on their head, the cereal box, a bowl and the milk. In the end they can't, only the plate and carry the rest of the things in their small arms to the table where Omeliah was already drinking his coffee and turning on the television.

None said anything, the sound of the TV was the only thing that existed. In addition to the tiny sounds of food ... the most normal thing in the world in that house, silence and only background noise filling the air.

Frisk knows that Omeliah rarely makes conversation or does not like to talk before coffee, "She gets more grumpy than normal" he thinks with a little fear about it, as if the simple act of thinking provokes a scolding. His mind goes from here to there thinking about Omeliah, usually she spends very little time at home, "she is almost never at home" and almost never speaks "were the thoughts that stood out most in their head," and if she does, she nags" add.

Cutting their trance, the woman backs the chair with a squeak, Frisk the same. After a few more minutes they quietly left the apartment and soon the building ...

As soon as the sun hit their face, the morning wind ruffles their thick dark hair a little more and the sounds of the city came to them from all sides, felt liberated and anyone could notice it, they smiled and ran... Omeliah hated when they did that, shouted their name, and annoyed ran behind the little one.

"For the love of God Frisk!" Omeliah took them by the arm when she finally reached them. "How many times have I told you not to run like that?" finish saying the word by squeezing more her fingers and brow.

Frisk just snorted a little, in frustration, Omeliah rolled her eyes and released Frisk. They began to walk, both at the same pace, it seemed especially for the little one that the incident had never occurred; and the same for the rest of the people, it was evident just by looking at them both that it wouldn't even be something new, something of every day for both.

In spite of being a school morning, the weather was beautiful, and it put them in a good mood, the things around them, the people walking, the cars that passed fast, all different the sounds could be a bit annoying and barely let you hear the birds singing, but Frisk loved it, their head moved around to capture most of the details of the place, knowing that soon they'll reach their destination, the school bus stop.

Before arriving, the woman said a word again, she mentioned that she was going to be busy. Omeliah was the only person that Frisk knew had three jobs, in the morning after leaving them, she goes to clean the house of an elderly woman, at noon she had part-time work as a cashier in a supermarket; This was Frisk's favorite job since when it was payday Omeliah stayed a little longer then Frisk could go explore the place and find a lot of interesting things. Well or at least that was before, it made him a little sad to think about it, but not enough for his mood to decline. And her third job at night as a waitress. After the second job she stopped at home to make them something to eat and then she leaves again.

Frisk didn't pay too much attention, Omeliah spoke or rather complains about all the things she has to do, it was as if she didn't realize that she was talking to a child, little care and treatment of mother really offered them, Omeliah was not like the other moms, and one could doubt if she really was one, even when she has a child.

"Well, see you in the afternoon." Omeliah said releasing a small breath of relief when they reached the stop and the bus was approaching. "You know you can't be out of the house after 5, see you later, don't get in trouble."

Honestly those were the most maternal words that came from his lips, it sounded more like a warning or threat, but it was extremely common of them, Omeliah's most maternal gesture without a doubt; and one that emerged as part of an itinerary. Nothing out of the ordinary. Neutral looks, words and actions that came out of pure mechanics, between tension and boredom, however it was all they had. To themselves, as repetitive as it was, it was apparently important.

already on the bus, Frisk saw Omeliah behind while walking in the opposite direction of their path. Both ready to start a day like any other. take a seat in the middle of the bus in an empty place, they saw the other children talking to each other or distracted, while silently looking out the window and waiting to reach their destination.

For the other kids at Frisk's school, they are a character ... to put it in some way. It could be said that Frisk was one of the most popular kid in the school, almost all the children of the school knew him, but not the reasons one would normally think when heard the word "popular" ... Frisk had the school divided among those who bother them, harassed by certain bullies that never stopped, others who ignore them and isolate them for one reason or another; while on the opposite side children who defended and protected them, perhaps a bit too much, could be said that they sought to take care of them, always speaking to them in a very kind and calm tone. In fact, some of them greeted them on the bus, but there really wasn't much response.

It was evident that their "peculiar" attitudes would attract the attention of the other children, although it was not something that worried their head much. He always seemed to be absent even when he was staring straight ahead or at the teacher, it was a mystery to everyone what was going on in their head, they spoke almost nothing, but always approached to hear what anyone had to say, and Frisk sometimes liked to tell jokes, or to follow polite conversations but without really saying much, and on curious occasions he flirted with someone, although not honestly but rather in a humorous sense, to have a little fun ...

Frisk was very aware of that, as well as the rumors that ran in the school; in spite of the kindness of certain of their companions, heard them mutter, always referring to the causes of their distant attitudes. Walking from here to there, if they stopped it was in the library or to read anywhere else. Despite being a reader, his grades were inconstant, in classes they were always indifferent (almost as for everything), although they seemed very focused, it was obvious to everyone that their head was somewhere else. His mind ... for some reason the other children cared a lot about Frisk's mind, and the little one didn't really understand why. Some children said directly and without mercy that he was "retarded", others shared the same idea but on the contrary they felt that they should take care of them and try to be kind. Others, on the other hand, commented that they were really a genius, that is why he was bored by school and classes a prodigy that nobody understood ... even some called him an antisocial psychopath and that it was only a matter of time before he started killing to all.

All that brought them without care ... none of that prevented them from being who they were, nor made them feel bad ... or well not at all the time. Although there were kind companions, didn't really feel any of them were a true friend, it made them a little sad, but Frisk always found ways to cheer up. After the first classes the recess began, all the children ran and jumped towards the playground, with their lunches or to play. Frisk was the same, but his little skips were heading precisely to the library, quite far from the playground, near the offices, he had forgotten to bring a lunch, and Omeliah really hadn't noticed that, rarely did it anyway.

Quiet as a little mouse entered the place, "it is definitely smaller than the city's central library," they thought. went to the shelves to find the book he was reading during the week, when found it they read it silently, it didn't take long for they to finish the chapter, as well as the recess to end, but Frisk had no desire to return to class ... not at all.

So, decided to do something that was really common for them, escape from school. It always made them nervous, had already been discovered several times, and stopping to comment on Omeliah's reaction was simply exhausting. But what did it matter? Frisk not only wanted to read but to play, to explore, to know. And trapped in school would not ... they leave the book in its place and as they entered followed the rest of the children who were heading back to the classrooms, but before arriving, he quickly hid in the bathrooms, wait and thought the things a few moments, the experience told them that had to be careful where to leave, obviously the main entrance would be guarded so it was clear that they wouldn't go out there. An idea soon crossed them: the teachers parking lot, the vehicle barrier was automated and obviously there was plenty of room to get out of the school domains. They implemented the plan quickly and despite certain setbacks succeeded.

Ran as fast as they could out of the place, Frisk really wasn't very good at running, their steps always short, but knew exactly where he wanted to go, The central square. Virtually to the center of the town, where so many golden flowers grew, no doubt their favorite place, the place was ample there was plenty of space to play or just walk, an ancient design fountain at the beginning, trees where birds made their little nests, and a lot of wooden benches where people sat to rest. And in the center a bed of golden flowers much thicker and wider than the others. Frisk undoubtedly loved that place and it didn't take long to arrive, its gardens, and the people out there, many of them always took their dogs for a walk there and Frisk did not miss the opportunity to play with them, and even with Stray dogs that sometimes passed, they loved those dogs as if they were theirs and loved being there with them in part because knew they'll never have one in the house. played with dogs, looked at insects and birds in the gardens and even saw a lizard. He sat on the benches next to the people who were alone, no one spoke, but they liked to be with them, although none stayed much.

Except for an old woman, who seemed to be living there, whenever Frisk went to the place she was there, feeding the birds, or just sitting, and never but never said anything. But he liked to accompany her and see the birds gathering around her feet.

It didn't take long for the kid to decide to start walking again, they tour the place already knew quite well but still loved to look, as if something new were to appear overnight, didn't know why, but they expected it and still when it didn't happen, it brought them more joys than any other place, the people, the cars that were passing, the animals, the flowers, everything.

but that day in fact there was something new waiting for them ... when walked saw the post of one of the Streetlights, a purple paper sign printed with yellow and green letters, came over and read:

The magical Ebert's candy store grand opening Tomorrow! 5 PM

A wide smile was drawn on the little one's face "will he be a real wizard?" wondered, they heard stories about wizards that existed long ago and were so rare, but if this was real, it would be great and knew they'd have to be there ... after all tomorrow it would be a special day that I would guarantee them to go.

Of course, joy didn't last long when found they was discovered, and sent back to school. Frisk sighs as they enter the principal's office.

"I suppose you already know why you are here, true Frisk." the man said seriously.

"because it's useless to oppose fate, had anyone told you that you have beautiful, intense eyes?" Frisk flirted in a comic way overreacting to try to lighten the situation a little.

"Frisk ..." The director pronounced their name severely to communicate them to stop. Like a scolding and of course nothing surprising by the attitude of the child.

The kid regained composure and sat down immediately, understanding the situation.

"It's the seventh time in two months, Frisk, you know how bad it is for your grades and that all this goes to your file." He says while they just nods. The man simply sighs.

"Why are you doing this Frisk? "His tone became extremely more cordial, worried and even paternal.

It was a little strange, but they still didn't answer, simply shrugged and looked away.

"Is it because of the classes? Do you get bored? "Frisk maintained the same attitude to the questions. The director sighed again frustrated.

"What about your classmates? I have noticed that there are some of them who aren't very kind to you ... is that why you do not want to be here?" His tone became even more friendly but the child's attitude seemed to become more hermetic.

Frisk immediately noticed the intentions of the man, but it was none of that or it was everything, they like to be outdoors from time to time, explore and see things, walk around and all that. And they weren't going to do at school or at least that's how they thought. So absorbed in their thoughts that the next question caught them completely by surprise like a bucket of ice water.

"and your mother?"

"Omeliah?"

"Yeah she." He replied somewhat glad to appear to be going somewhere "is there anything that happens with her or in your house? "He returned to his calmer and patient tone. shrugged again and shook their head, though felt more open

"She has never come to any meeting ..."

"She is busy with her job." said practically interrupting the man.

"I understand Frisk, I understand. But it is important that she be involved in your education and the things you need." he explains " do you feel that she is not interested enough in you?"

The same answer above as all questions. And the man sank into his desk chair desperate and breathing deeply to regain his composure.

"She's busy, always or almost always, really isn't that bad." Frisk said, somewhat dry, they already been through this many times and barely spoked. But somehow this time they felt it could be a bit cruel to shut up. But that there was very little to say anyway.

"anyway Frisk, you know you're on detention" Said the man, becoming serious and authoritarian again, trying to forget all that. "You know where to go."

The infant gets up from the chair and goes out the room. While behind the director picked up the phone.

The little one spent a lot in the detention room, it was always usually to stay an hour after departure. Frisk was heading to the front door and recognized a very familiar figure; her countenance denoted annoyance and fatigue, the child immediately looked away while Omeliah finished talking to the director and took Frisk's hand.

Not a word was pronounced between them until the school building was already far behind. However, Frisk couldn't care less, all the words sounded like noise because they already knew where they were going. Omeliah was shooting louder and louder words like what she felt.

"I can't believe you're doing this." angrily "I can't believe you're doing this to me!" angrier

Frisk tried to remain on the sidelines, not to be affected by scolding, but couldn't help it, still kept quiet.

"Do you have any idea of the problems I got into because of you by coming here?" she continuous "I should be at work. for God sake Frisk! you have no idea how difficult this is for me, I kill myself working every day for you to go to a school and have better opportunities than me, but no, you do what you want ... and I'm already fed up. They told me it's not the first time you do it."

The child simply crosses their arms, looking away and giving a snort, as if they didn't care, the woman just covered her face with her hands trying to silence the grunts of tiredness and anger that the whole situation caused her. They soon arrived at the apartment again.

Frisk enters the house dragging their feet and shoulders down, and almost the same way Omeliah enters as well.

"Whatever Frisk, you're not going anywhere today It is clear." were the last words of Omeliah that Frisk heard before lock themselves in the room throwing their backpack on the floor.

The little kid dropped into their bed, sinking face into the pillow, then turned to the other bed, Omeliah's bed still not done, could swear it had days like that.

Frisk looked out the window and sighed, felt somewhat resolute, they felt, exactly like a little mouse trapped in a hole, safe and routine, but it was a hole, looking out the window couldn't help feeling that way, like a mouse in their hole and that outside there was something else waiting for them, a treasure, an adventure, a cheese to put it in some way. To think that, that one day could get out of the hole to learn and to have fun and do interesting things, even more than they could imagine right now, made them smile, some dream began to get between their eyes, settled down willing to sleep a little, felt a little better and full of determination.