Page 53 of Teaching the Kot'oll Coach

I go over there, right when a shadow comes and...

Even though I halt, they still bump into me. “Whoa!” I hold their shoulder, only to find that’s Winnie hurrying to leave with her backpack, getting ready to poof out of the staff room until tomorrow.

I let go of her at once, putting my hands behind me.

Wait... The corridor is narrow. She and I can barely walk side by side. And... Unless I stick to the wall...

Where do I put my arms so I’m not taking up space and looking like I’m blocking her path?

I don’t want to leave my sweat on the wall either.

She stares at me for another moment as her lips quiver as if she wants to say something.

Um... I turn to stand to the side to get out of her way. She snorts a laugh.

I ask, “What’s that about?”

“It looks like you don’t know how to stand. Your arms look confused.”

“Well, I don’t want to look like I was blocking your path.” I want to ask her more, but inside the staff room, I should keep non-work-related talk to the minimum. I don’t think I’m expected to fuck a co-worker, either.

She shakes her head. “It’s okay. I know you’re just walking by.”

“So... Are you heading home?”

She nods and hurries to the door. “Yes.”

I guess it means I shouldn’t follow her. Maybe tomorrow will be better. She may need time alone and there hasn’t been any since last night.

I sit on my chair again and take a sip of my water. I wish she wasn’t still mad at me or something.

My phone buzzes, so I check it.

Oh... Father is calling for everyone to go home for dinner. I guess... I guess it’s not bad timing when I can’t be with Winnie this evening, but...

I do miss them. I think they visited me when I was in the hospital, but I was asleep most of the time, or inside the treatment room so I didn’t end up seeing my parents. I should meet them for sure.

I stare at the blank screen of the turned-off computer. Now I remember Winnie’s cat. How dare the cat mistake me as a toy?

But he is pretty cute with a chubby orange face.

But that’s not very helpful when it comes to trying to know what’s happening with Winnie. But maybe I should figure out what to bring to the family gathering.

Chapter 24

Telke

It takes a while, but not long enough before I’m at the door of my parent’s house.

There are already lights inside that seep out of the blinds. I stare at the box of chocolate in my hand. I hope this is good enough and won’t be the same thing my brothers brought.

Okay... It’s going to be fine. I can press the doorbell and nothing bad will happen. Well... Nothing too bad will happen, probably...

The doorbell buzzes and I almost jump, even though I’m the one pressing it. Father’s voice comes from the inside. “Come in. It’s not locked.”

I turn the doorknob and open the door. The tasty smell of spaghetti comes at me and slaps my tired face from a long day of work. Mother knows how to make the best food.

Inside, all of my brothers, the four of them, are already around.

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