e door. It was a humble, small wood-carved bed. Beside the bed to the right was a small drawer where he kept his socks. To the l

te pillow, his mind drifted in

urt by the words that Brendan had just said. He took out a photo of Patricia and

dressed in not much of a hurry. He usually cooked them breakfast b

y down the stairs. ‘

as wearing the same blue jersey he had been wearing the previous day. He was also wearin

in front of the couch. It was a bowl of st

hot?’ Howar

N

ief moment of silenc

ease?’ He was gulping down the oatmeal much

ve to do this if you don’t want to. It’

omething? You just caught me by surprise with that potion thing, you rea

itchcraft,

e another lecture?’ He fro

o,

dropped the subject. He stood up in a rush of fury off to school. He

refects, probably in the tenth grade, writing down names of late students. He

rphan boy?’ She looked to be in a serio

with spite clearly detectable in his voice. He w

oks like you’re go

deserve at least some k

never be able to wear one this color,’

the color he despised; red. ‘I think it’s worth it if

on’t you, Orphan boy?’ She

one day and you’ll forget that name you

at a t

rds you say to your mother ea

n boy!’ Her arms were still folded. She waited for him to make his mo

ng in his eyes. The two pref

want mommy to bring you a handkerchief? Well, news

same time. His hand paused in midair. He had remembered what Howard had told him when he was younger; “Boys who beat up girls are cowards.” These ha

t unnoticed, probably afraid t

ould but you’re just a lost cause…a crazy brat.’ She now only had at leas

ke you!’ she shouted at him as he wal

o hear her. He just we

g beside his desk with Angus on the left and Thomas on the right. Angus winked his eye while Thomas grinned at him ma

grey and his skin was pale but this time, Brendan noticed, he looked much paler than usual. He had a thin, long nose. He only wore

late, sir,’ Bre

to knock,’ said Mr. Price. His voice was sh

just… “walks in”,’ Thomas said from his desk

’ Mr. Price snapp

‘And why are you late, Mr

U

homas mocked him again arousin

ention for you, Bradley!’