Chapter 34 34

She just woke up when he opened the door.Before she could do anything, he was down the steps, looking around, and striding across the floor.He still hadn't seen her. She lay still, watching him. Lanky frame, blond hair, gold-rimmed glasses. He stepped onto the small dais under the clock, leaned forward, and put his face against the clock face.He stretched out his arms toward the circumference of the clock, and he was bathed in light pouring through the glass, looking like a crucified Jesus. Or like the man in Leonardo Da Vinci's portrait, but with an antenna!The time was two minutes to twelve.

She scanned the entire attic, still motionless.There's a chance to get out just in time, but to do so is to leave the possessions in the attic.He stood in a dangerous posture, and if he lost his balance, he might fall through the clock face. Time passed by second by second, and the longer antenna on his head jumped forward again. She hardly dared to breathe, for fear of being discovered by him. Finally, he lowered his arms, and then, turning around, he saw her.The sight startled him, she could see it.Not only was he startled, but he was also a little embarrassed that someone was looking at him.Neither of them spoke, but continued to stare at each other.His face was obscured by shadows.

For God's sake, how was she going to get out of this situation?He didn't look very strong, but she had to speak to him before he got out of here.She sat up slowly, thinking that if she stood up, she might look threatening. What are you doing? Her tone hesitated.He didn't respond immediately, but seemed less nervous. It is nothing special! There's none?From here it looks worrisome. He shrugged. and you?what are you doing here Good question, what am I doing here? I just take a break. Did you sleep well?Or something else? She smiled slightly, oh, oh!He gets right to the point.The average person usually finds ways to avoid facing unfortunate encounters.

It's not as bad as other places. Is it because you are a homeless person?Like, homeless? Why is she denying this fact?In any case, there was no other plausible explanation for her presence in the attic. You can say that. He steps down from the podium. so cool!I would love to do something like that when I graduate. What does he want to do? Why? It seems wonderful that no one asks you to do things, and no one cares what you do. It couldn't be more true than that, at least that's one aspect of homelessness. If that's what you really want, there are better ways to get a life like this.

He grinned. Tell me about homeless life! She's still not sure if he's telling the truth, maybe just kidding her. Do you do drugs too? No, I don't do drugs. I thought all the homeless were on drugs!I mean: isn't it because you have to do drugs to be homeless?My mother said so. Mom doesn't know everything. Is that right? There was a sneer in the way he said it, and she could see that he was no longer afraid.He walked towards her and she stood up. This is all your belongings? Yes. He looked at the sleeping mat and the rucksack, and she watched him inspect her belongings, and his expression showed that he was indeed very impressed.

Awesome! It is a strange thing to be regarded as a paradigm, so let's make an exception!Still, that speaks volumes about her situation. what are you doing hereDon't you know that the condition of the floor is actually not very good? yes!Live in danger!help!help! He jumped up and down several times, looking nonchalant.She put one hand on his arm. Hello!stop jumping!If you fall directly, it will be very troublesome! oh!stop talking! He withdrew his arm, but didn't jump again.She looked at him in silence for a long while.His sudden presence here became a threat, though it was clearly not clear how serious the threat was, and she had to find out before he left.She picked up a crumpled one of several student handouts on the floor to make her questioning seem more at ease.

do you come here often He hesitated for a while before answering: only occasionally. He lied, but she didn't understand why. What grade are you in? sophomore. What about the rest of the class?When will your classmates show up? He shook his head.She suddenly understood that he was the only one, he came here alone, no one else. Did you put the screws on the lock on the door? He took a breath and said at the same time: Yes! She gets it.The boy in front of him was not one of the sheep, but another goat, and it was another goat that had been expelled from the same herd. So, what kind of person are you?do you like school

He stared at her, evidently afraid of her being so reasonable. Of course I do, great! In other words, just don't like it.That's the kind of sarcasm a lot of kids are saying these days, at least, it's what the kids she's been talking to do.He kicked a textbook on the floor, and it bounced onto her mat, where she lay.Hi!It is high school mathematics. So has the government sent you a lot of welfare money? She shook her head.Was he already investigating the rights of being a tramp in the future? What do you eat to fill your stomach?Do you look for food in the trash can? He looked disgusted.

Had this experience. nausea. If that's your future, you have to try it out. But you will receive money from others, will you not?For example, to buy food and supplies. She didn't bother to answer.The point is clear: if you accept a handout from someone else, someone will make a gesture of telling you what to do and what not to do.Then the school bell rang and he didn't seem to notice. I'm not sure though, maybe I'll switch to TV and get a job. You should be leaving now, right? probably! He sighed and turned to leave. She was still not sure if he would tell anyone else about it. This was a serious problem, and asking him directly should be the easiest solution.

Will you tell others? Say, say what? About me being here, occasionally spending the night here. He obviously never had the idea. Why should I tell others? There is no particular reason! May I have your name? He was already up the steps leading to the gate, but turned to face her. Taber, what about you? Syrah.Taber isn't your real name, is it?Did you take it for yourself? He shrugged. Can't remember. What about your real name? stop talking!What is this doing?Trivia show or what? She didn't know what he was talking about, so she waved her hand casually. I just find it weird.

He sighed and let go of the doorknob.Patrick, my real name is Patrick. She smiled, and he hesitated for a while, then smiled back at her, then turned and walked towards the gate.Goodbye! Goodbye!Patrick!See you another day? Then he left.