After several days, it was finally a day off from school.
I was waiting for Mira.
A few minutes later, I saw her from a distance.
She looked nervous… almost frightened. Her eyes kept moving left and right as if she was looking for someone.
When she reached me, she immediately held my hand.
"How are you today?" she asked quickly.
"Are you okay? Did anything happen to you?"
I looked at her with confusion.
"I'm fine," I replied.
"But what about you? Why are you asking like that? Did something happen?"
Mira didn't look into my eyes.
She kept talking while glancing around nervously.
"No… it's just a question," she said.
Then she asked again:
"Did that group come near you again? Have you seen them?"
I shook my head.
"No. They didn't do anything again.
It seems like they forgot about it… and I ignored it."
Mira took a small breath.
"Good… I'm glad you're okay."
Then she said quietly:
"Let's go."
We entered the classroom.
The teacher was explaining the lesson while Mira sat beside me.
I glanced at her from time to time.
She looked distracted.
Lost in her thoughts… worried… maybe even scared.
I didn't want to pressure her.
But something felt strange.
Why was she asking me so many questions?
Why was she so nervous?
Not now.
I'll figure it out later.
After several hours, school ended.
We walked through the streets.
The stores were glowing with evening lights.
Suddenly, Mira held my hand tightly.
It felt like she wanted to say something.
"Um… Kalin…" she said softly.
I looked at her immediately.
She lowered her head.
"Actually… I'm in a hurry today," she said.
"I'm sorry I can't stay with you. I have an appointment… with a psychiatrist."
I was surprised.
"An appointment? A psychiatrist?
Why didn't you tell me? I could have gone with you."
She quickly shook her head.
"No… I mean… I don't want to bother you.
You should go home. I'll go with a friend. It's fine."
She forced a small, nervous smile.
"The important thing is that I saw you're okay."
Then she waved goodbye and walked away quickly.
Soon… she was gone.
I stood there for a moment.
What is happening with her?
Something is definitely wrong.
But she's hiding it.
I'll find out later.
I walked alone until I reached the park.
I sat near a small lake and looked at my reflection in the water.
I covered my eyes with my hand and pushed my hair back, then slowly looked up at the sky.
I spoke quietly to myself.
Is what happened to me normal… or strange?
Am I living like everyone else?
Maybe.
But sometimes…
I feel like I don't belong here.
Like this place… isn't really mine.
I have many goals.
And I'm sure I will achieve them.
But…
Are these just words?
Why do I keep asking myself questions… without finding answers?
I sighed deeply.
Sometimes I feel like I need a psychiatrist too.
I'm tired.
I just want someone to understand me.
My body still hurts… from old fights and injuries.
But maybe…
that's normal.
I stayed there for a long time.
Without realizing it, I fell asleep on the bench.
Suddenly, someone shook my shoulder.
I slowly opened my eyes.
It was my father.
He looked at me and smiled.
"Heh… you're still here?"
Then he said with concern:
"Son, why are you sleeping here? Why didn't you come home?"
I rubbed my eyes.
"Sorry, Dad… I didn't notice. I was just sitting here."
He nodded gently.
"It's okay. Let's go home."
We walked together in silence.
Then I suddenly asked him:
"Dad… are you satisfied with your life? Are you happy?"
He laughed softly.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"We all live like this. Everything we need is here."
Then he looked at me.
"But there's one important thing."
"Your goals."
"You must achieve them."
He placed his hand on my shoulder.
"And I'll be the first person to be proud of you."
I smiled a little.
He continued:
"You went through a very hard past."
"But now you're doing better."
"Loneliness, pain, exhaustion… everyone feels them."
"But they make us stronger."
I looked at him quietly.
And at that moment…
I felt like I finally found the answer to one of my questions.
My strength pushes me forward.
There are people who love me.
People who stay beside me.
People who help me find the right path.
Maybe it feels like a dream.
But it can become reality.
However…
There is still something I feel.
Something strange.
Something hidden.
A danger…
waiting in the shadows.