Сумерки

           Desolationhitmewithcripplingstrength.

           IshambledalongbehindJessica,notbotheringtopretendtolistenanymore.

           Wewerelateenoughthateveryonewasalreadyatourtable.IavoidedtheemptychairnexttoMikeinfavorofonebyAngela.IvaguelynoticedthatMikeheldthechairoutpolitelyforJessica,andthatherfacelitupinresponse.

           AngelaaskedafewquietquestionsabouttheMacbethpaper,whichIansweredasnaturallyasIcouldwhilespiralingdownwardinmisery.She,too,invitedmetogowiththemtonight,andIagreednow,graspingatanythingtodistractmyself.

           IrealizedI’dbeenholdingontoalastshredofhopewhenIenteredBiology,sawhisemptyseat,andfeltanewwaveofdisappointment.

           Therestofthedaypassedslowly,dismally.InGym,wehadalectureontherulesofbadminton,thenexttorturetheyhadlinedupforme.ButatleastitmeantIgottositandlisteninsteadofstumblingaroundonthecourt.Thebestpartwasthecoachdidn’tfinish,soIgotanotherdayofftomorrow.Nevermindthatthedayaftertheywouldarmmewitharacketbeforeunleashingmeontherestoftheclass.

           Iwasgladtoleavecampus,soIwouldbefreetopoutandmopebeforeIwentouttonightwithJessicaandcompany.ButrightafterIwalkedinthedoorofCharlie’shouse,Jessicacalledtocancelourplans.ItriedtobehappythatMikehadaskedherouttodinner-Ireallywasrelievedthathefinallyseemedtobecatchingon-butmyenthusiasmsoundedfalseinmyownears.Sherescheduledourshoppingtripfortomorrownight.