School Days

I felt lonely when- I was at my school canteen

In the school cafe, I sat alone every day, eating my lunch quietly while watching groups of friends laugh and talk around me. Sometimes people would come up to me—not to sit or talk, but to ask for notes or homework help. I’d help them, of course, and they’d thank me and walk back to their tables, back to their friends.

I knew I was shy. I wasn’t the type to ask someone to sit with me, but I wished, just once, someone would stay. I’d sit there, staring at my lunch, pretending not to care, but inside, it hurt.

I was surrounded by voices and laughter, yet felt like I was on my own island. It was strange, being the person people came to for help, but never to hang out.