St. Paul's river is not a river.
—
On the way to school, Sophia caught up with me on her bike.
"Annan! Wait—" Her pink bicycle bumped on the gravel road, its chain rattling.
"We're going to the river on the weekend, will you come?"
I shook my head. "My brother is going to repair the roof of the house next door on the weekend, and I will go too."
Sophia sighed. "Your brother can fix everything, right? Wires, water pipes, roofs, bicycles. My mother says he's the nicest guy in town." She paused, "He's just too quiet. I said good morning to him three times, and he said back twice."
"Twice is already too many."
Sofia smiled, showing a row of white teeth. Her laugh was so loud it could pass through three walls.
When I passed the hardware store, I saw Abhicha squatting at the door and smoking. When he saw me, he raised his chin as a greeting. Ze'an's motorcycle was parked next to it, and the chain had been re-oiled, probably by Abhicha's help. The TV in the store was on, showing football highlights.
I didn't see Zian. He was probably across town.
Back home. The mango tree has recently sprouted new leaves.
I put down my schoolbag, sat down at the table, and opened my chemistry notes. Ms. Sandra has a test next week and I don't want to be watered by her again - cold water pouring down from my head, it feels like falling into a river. But what was more uncomfortable than falling into the river was what she said: "Wait until you are admitted to college before you sleep." I fell asleep once.
I want to go to university. Not out of anger, I really want to.
When Ze'an came back in the evening, I had fallen asleep on the table.
He didn't turn on the light.
Half asleep, I felt him put a coat on my shoulders. There is wire rubber on the jacket and a little bit of sea breeze.
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