It was a Monday morning when Lucy slunk into class. She was early, as usual, and her long brown hair flowed down her back, bouncing slightly as she walked. Lucy wasn't smiling. Her eyes weren't sparkling. I was at my desk and she sat in her seat, staring into the distance.
"Good morning Lucy," I said cheerfully. No response. I tried again. This time, Lucy looked over to me.
"Is it?" she asked. A strange response from the girl who was always happy. It was only yesterday when she was telling me to have a more positive outlook on life. Maybe this was her test for me? I hoped so, and that she'd just snap out of it and go back to her usual self.
"Of course it is," I replied to her remark. "The sun is shining, the birds are singing! Today looks like a good day!"
"Oh," Lucy replied unenthusiastically. I then noticed that Lucy was incredibly pale and had dark rings under her eyes. I got up and walked over to the table she was sitting at. I came down to her level, although she continued to stare straight through me.
I wasn't sure if she'd answer me, but I asked anyway, "Lucy, is everything okay? You're very pale."
Thankfully, she'd heard me. "I'm fine," she said as her voice wobbled. "I'm just not feeling very well and I didn't sleep a wink last night."
"Okay, do you want to go to the medical room? They might be able to do something," I suggested.
"They'd send me home, wouldn't they?"
"Probably. Why?"
"No reason. I don't want to go to them. I'll be fine. It's just a funny turn."
"Okay. Well, make sure you tell me if it gets any worse." Lucy nodded her head. Maybe she was ill? But something was telling me to keep an eye on her.
The bell rang and I returned to the front of the class as the students filled in.