Five (Short Story)
Five
Somebody told me before that when you feel almost nothing at all, only plain unhappiness, then just die. You always want to find an explanation for feeling so empty, but what was that for? Nothing. If you feel that way, then that’s depression, and I’m telling you, that thing kills every part of you. Well, at least, that’s what it does to me. Dr. Marie once said that she knew everything about my condition and she’s dead wrong; I know myself more than everybody does. After that check-up, I never came to her clinic again.
It’s Sunday night and everyone is gathered in the dining room. My mom who always looks like, well, a mother is sitting between Cessi and Gary. Staring at the vegetable salad, Gary didn’t make a single move.
Cessi is smiling at me. She’s the cool kid between them and among all normal six years olds. She looks horrible now but always happy. Poor kid, she doesn’t even know her cancer is killing her little by little. It’s undeniable that we’ve been close with each other. We both have good-looking faces.
It feels very strange to walk towards my chair with mom watching. I didn’t mind at first. Or at least I pretended I didn’t. I sat; she’s still watching. I got some grilled squid; she’s still watching. Okay, enough of that watching game.
“What?” I asked as I took one bite.
“Stop eating Tommy, we haven’t prayed yet.” It was Gary. As he grins, the freckles in his face looked much darker compared to his white skin. Gary is my enemy for life. He always contradicts me.
I reluctantly put my fork down, and mom led the prayer. After the prayer, there was an awkward silence.
“Let’s discuss some things,” mom said after a while. “Ell, there will be some changes in your studies in the coming years.” There’s a long pause. I could see the hurt in her eyes as they stare at me, “Son, maybe next year you’ll have to stop going to school. You know your sister’s situation, right? I hope you understand.” Then, a tear dripped down from her eyes
Somebody told me before that when you feel almost nothing at all, only plain unhappiness, then just die. You always want to find an explanation for feeling so empty, but what was that for? Nothing. If you feel that way, then that’s depression, and I’m telling you, that thing kills every part of you. Well, at least, that’s what it does to me. Dr. Marie once said that she knew everything about my condition and she’s dead wrong; I know myself more than everybody does. After that check-up, I never came to her clinic again.
It’s Sunday night and everyone is gathered in the dining room. My mom who always looks like, well, a mother is sitting between Cessi and Gary. Staring at the vegetable salad, Gary didn’t make a single move.
Cessi is smiling at me. She’s the cool kid between them and among all normal six years olds. She looks horrible now but always happy. Poor kid, she doesn’t even know her cancer is killing her little by little. It’s undeniable that we’ve been close with each other. We both have good-looking faces.
It feels very strange to walk towards my chair with mom watching. I didn’t mind at first. Or at least I pretended I didn’t. I sat; she’s still watching. I got some grilled squid; she’s still watching. Okay, enough of that watching game.
“What?” I asked as I took one bite.
“Stop eating Tommy, we haven’t prayed yet.” It was Gary. As he grins, the freckles in his face looked much darker compared to his white skin. Gary is my enemy for life. He always contradicts me.
I reluctantly put my fork down, and mom led the prayer. After the prayer, there was an awkward silence.
“Let’s discuss some things,” mom said after a while. “Ell, there will be some changes in your studies in the coming years.” There’s a long pause. I could see the hurt in her eyes as they stare at me, “Son, maybe next year you’ll have to stop going to school. You know your sister’s situation, right? I hope you understand.” Then, a tear dripped down from her eyes