Academy of Death

The Social Event

After a struggle of scampering through long passageways of several buildings, I halted at the wide far-end area of the academy. Sitting on one of the benches at the backyard park, Marin was sobbing and griefing her unfortunate fate. The white chrysanthemums and the wild orchids witnessed her sadness. The huge trees around the park shadowed my pace, sauntering toward her.

She brushed her swollen red eyes as soon as realizing my presence. I took a seat on her side and handed her a bottle of drink. Marin accepted it, opened the lid, and sipped the water. The freshwater flowed down her esophagus and soothed her for a moment. But, it didn't last long. She burst out of tears. Her effort to endure it ended up futile. The incident in the lab had devastated her a lot.

With care, I reached her hand to give her comfort and support. It didn't work since the tears kept welling up her eyes. As a friend, her pain broke my heart. 

"I feel you. It must be so hard for you," I sighed and tapped her shoulder tenderly. "It's not fair that he kicked you out of his class that way, just because of that short practicum. Please don't give up. I can accompany you to see the head of the academy to convey your concern. I am sure the academy will compensate with another opportunity. Or the better thing is they will let you take another class. " When it was needed, my mouth sometimes could produce necessary advice.

Removing the tears from her face, Marin forced a smile. A slight relief sparked on her visage. 

"No, thanks. I appreciate it anyway." 

I inhaled and then exhaled slowly. "If that's what you want, do whatever it's good for you." 

"I am better now. Don't worry. You have a social event to attend, right?" 

"Yeah," I answered in a short word. I debated with myself whether or not to join the event; I eventually considered not removing it from the list.  "See you at the dorm." 

We parted; her flat smile confirmed that she would be just fine without me. I took a final look before stepping away. I got guilty, not being on her side when she needed me. But, canceling to take part in the event was impossible as I had committed to join.

The event took place in an orphanage in the near neighborhood. I had to take a cab or bus to get there. In a rush, I romped through multiple long alleys from one building to another. It wasn't my plan, indeed. But, spending a little time aiding those who were in need wouldn't hurt.

The front yard of the orphanage had been full of people when I arose at the gate. Lanzo was busy assisting people in the registration area. The children stood in line to receive the relief package. 

"Is there anything I can do?" I addressed Lanzo whose hand was holding a pen, marking the name of the children on the list.

"Hi, Dylanesa, you're here. Sure, you can help the others distribute the packages to the children." He pointed to the distribution section.

"Alright," I immediately did my part. The kids were excited to get the packets from me and thanked me.

My heart suddenly pounded with contentment looking at the innocent kids who happily opened their packets and yelled at their friends showing off what they had in their box. The picture before me reminded me of the moment when I jumped in exhilaration receiving a set of school uniforms from one of the donors. 

The drops of tear trickled down my eyes and I swiftly rubbed it with my fist. It wasn't the right place for me to reminisce about the past 

"Ms. Dawson… are you there?" I snapped back. One of the committees alerted me. A five-year-old kid had been waiting for his package. His innocuous face grabbed my sympathy. 

"Here's yours, dear." I stroked his messy greasy hair with compassion.  This little boy looked so pitiful with his ragged t-shirt and short pants. He responded with his bare yellow teeth.

I finished my task, administering the relief packages to the children. I enthusiastically collected the empty card box that scattered here and there and arranged it in a big container.

"Are you done?" Lanzo picked one left box and threw it into the container.

"As you can see, it's done. I didn't expect doing this activity would be this fun."

"I told you." We washed our hands on one of the sinks at the terrace of the orphanage office. The other volunteers also did the same thing. "So, are you going home right away after this?"

"Nope, I have to come back to the academy because my bag is still in the locker."

"I am wondering if you need a companion."

"Oh no… it's just twenty minutes from here anyway." 

"I am leaving earlier." Lanzo bid farewell.

It was almost dark when I got out of the fence. There was neither a bus nor a taxi around the orphanage. I didn't have an option but to walk along the way to the academy.

The journey to get to the academy exhausted me; my legs were stiff like I barely moved them. After a long walk, I arrived at the shut grand gate.

"Excuse me, Sir."

"What do you come here for at this hour, Miss?"

"I just would like to get my bag," I said while gulping for the air.

"But, no one is allowed to get inside the academy after six P.M, Miss. You must know that rule."

"I know, but please...let me in, this time...please… I have an assignment and the book is in the locker," I pleaded.

"I am very sorry. We can't break the rule. You should go back to the dorm before it's too late."

I languidly strolled down the curb toward the dorm which took about a half-hour from the academy.

The fatigue seized me. I felt like giving up and stayed where I was. With all my might, I forced myself to drag my feet. In my whole life, it was the first time for me to trot this far. 

"It is just after the aisle," I calmed myself and kept moving. 

"Five feet, four feet, three feet," I was counting my steps. The intersection seemed so far away. 

I gaped wide eyes at the folks of men hanging around in the mouth of the alley. One of them was so familiar to me even though his face faded by the blur of dusk. From his posture, he was undeniably Ron Miller. I didn't recognize the other three guys. But from their torso, they were adults. I just wanted to skip it away and focus on my journey. Nevertheless, the red-haired boy, Ron, came my way.

"Stay!" He was drunk. He sucked his smoke then tossed the butt on the ground, in a second he stepped harshly on it.

"I-I j-just wants to go home," my mouth trembled in worry. I stole a glance at the other guys. They just giggled watching us from afar.

"I can't let the witness live," Ron said something I didn't fathom.

"What do you mean?"

"After this, you will report to the academic that I drink alcohol and smoke. And the academy will expel me for breaking the Academy regulation. No, I don't want to let that happen. I have to do something to stop you."

"No! I won't do that. I will pretend that I don't see you tonight. Trust me. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone. Please just let me go," I implored.

"I don't believe you." I ran away. However, it was too bad, Ron managed to snatch my hand and pull me closer to him.

"Please don't touch me. Please...help...anybody please help me," I screamed in panic.

"Let go of her hand," I spun back. Lanzo had been at my back. His eyes were red, his heart boiled in outrage.