Part 1:
http://ctya.org/blog/cafe/shattered/
Part 2:
http://ctya.org/blog/cafe/shattered-part-2/
By: Renishaki. K
“Tony dear faster, we have to drop your sister at school.” Nana’s voice was indescribable as she saw hurried to pack lunch. Running from one end of the kitchen to another, she looked like a lost puppy. She heard the taps of Tony’s zipper on each step, as she took another piece of the omelette ready to put it in his mouth. His face lightened, coming to her with a wide open mouth. Nana gave Tony his favourite Arthur cup, along with her pink flowered cup both filled with orange juice. Slurping the entire cup, she halted her thirst. It felt like she’d washed down the entire trauma.
Nana put on her heavy black bulky coat that always reminded her of a magician’s cloak. As she put on her jacket she put her hat on, and scarf, she helped Tony get in to his jacket. “All bundled up?” Nana said while putting Tony’s boots on to his little feet. She got in to her boots as well and walked out of the front door on to the snowy path that distanced from the sidewalk. She guided the way, as Nana locked the front door and walked with Tony. The day felt fairly normal. At a sudden instant she stopped herself when she saw a blue Toyota approach in a small distance away from her. She panicked and froze on the spot. “SASHA! Oh dear Lord!” Nana’s voice hurried behind her. The car came to a forced stop, as the horn rang in their ears so loudly piecing through the light brutal winter wind. “Sasha! I’ve always told you not to wonder in front of me!” Nana didn’t sound too pleased, as she tugged her by the arm bringing her pulse less bundled body closer beside hers.
She couldn’t close her eyes, as they were wide open from the second she saw the car coming towards her until she entered the school, which was a five minute walk from home. That’s when her parents’ accident invaded her thoughts again. Nana placed a kiss on her cheek as she whispered, “Sasha baby, don’t worry about anything. Have fun at school today and wear your hat and mitts for recess.” She gave her brother a hug and made her way in to the crowded foyer of Bowsview Public School. She looked upset, as the sweaty and mal aroma of the atmosphere was sickening. She stripped her heavy winter wardrobe one by one placing them on the rack that had “Ms.McGee’s Grade 2 Class” labelled above it. Slowly pacing herself, she made her way through the classroom door and to her seat that was part of a table of four at the far end near the window. Abnormally quiet, she pulled her chair out and sat down resting her arms on the desk with her head down. One by one each student entered the class, talking about how cold it was outside, or how cool their snowman looked. She continued to stare at her empty desk top. The seat beside her was empty, that was where Mikey; her best friend sat. He had been away for the whole week; he’d been on vacation to the Philippians. She peeked over to check if he’d come, at that point she felt hopeless even though she’d known about his absence.
“Good morning everyone today is January 25th. Please stand for the national anthem”, the voice of Mrs. Samuel; the secretary’s sweet and cheerful voice spread clearly over the p.a system. As she stood up with the rest of the class, as she sustained her silence. “God, keeps our land glorious and free…” God, the name had pierced through her ears as she reminded herself of the conversations and her command. Tears built up slowly. Once the anthem had finished, Ms. McGee began taking the attendance. Her voice sounded usual, as she read through the name list starting from Amy gradually to Peter, then Rex and then, “Sasha” she called out. Her voice sounded a little distressed as she repeated her name. This was definitely unusual for Ms.McGee as well. “Sasha’s here” the brown curly haired girl that sat in front of her called out. Ms.McGee got out of her seat as she was puzzled by the quietness making her way towards her. Her eyes still looking down at her desk, she tried to quench back her tears. A kind placing of an arm from behind her gave her a goose bump down her spine. She noticed the figurine that appeared beside her, as it was her teacher she looked up with respect. Ms. McGee’s puzzled look hadn’t erased, as she knew something was wrong. Her posture was comforting as she softly asked what was wrong. She felt the 23 pairs of eyes gazing at her and Ms. McGee. She couldn’t hold it in anymore; she let out a loud hopeless cry.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Tags: Cafe, renishaki, short story, stories, story
