Today's the day. I think to myself as I enter my English class, the white brick block makes up the walls and the speckled title that lays on the ground. I don't want to hide any more. She has to know what is happening. Then I can be free. She'll believe me.

I slide into my plastic maroon chair in the back of the class and stare at the door; Kiran's not here yet.

My stomach turns with nausea.

My foot taps matching the pace of my heart.

My eyes dart around the class looking for my bubbly blonde friend and it stops at the ticking clock, 2:54.

Students come in, their mouths proprtiding laughter and positive words. No negative words ever leaving their mouths, not if our government can do anything about it.

Out of the corner of my eye I see it. Her full blonde of hair and electric blue eyes. A smile spreads across my face, the first in a long time.

"Kiran!" I call, my voice breaking unnoticed by Mr. Lively who sits in the back corner near me.

"Hey, Doak," she says and slides down on the desk by mine. So, chill. So natural.

"I'm ready to tell you," I say, my voice strong. My mouth opens unobserved because of my mask.

"Okay everyone, settle down. Open your voice boxes, it's time to record our essays." Mr. Lively says standing up from behind his wooden desk.

I look down at my black Voice Box bag and slowly grab the recording device. The mental box slides perfectly out of it.

Kiran's bubbly voice says above me, "Tell me later. You're finally going to tell me your little secret, can't wait." Her cheeks are bright and her smile decorates her entire face. It makes me grin.

I reluctantly put the school issued voice box also known as a SVB on my desk and take out the small microphone. It's sleek and black, a rubber recording button fashioned to the center. Elegant yet simple design. I press record, going through the motions. I go through the motions remembering everything that Mr. Lively said. First the introductory paragraph, then the five body paragraphs, each one corresponding to one of the five parts of a story. Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Finally to end it all, the conclusion paragraph which summarizes the whole Literary analysis essay.

My essay is about the short story "On The Sidewalk Bleeding". I talk about the many people who pass by the main character, Andy. First it's a drunk man who is too intoxicated to realize that Andy doesn't want a drink, but instead he wants the cops, that he wants help. Then a couple comes into the alley to snog and they at first think him a wild animal, but only after realising what he is and what he represents they run away not wanting to get into trouble. Finally a half deaf lady comes into the alley and she doesn't hear that she's half deaf and that it's pouring hard outside. At the end Andy takes off his jacket which symbolizes Andy not wanting to be a part of the gang.

I sympathise with Andy. He wants to be known as something different now. I wish Father would understand that now. I'm not like him. I'm an introvert. Mother was understanding, but Father... he's too drunk to understand.

I sigh as I press the button again on my SVB, stopping my essay about Andy. A kid just like me. A kid who just wants to be heard and who wants help. If I was one of those people who found Andy while he was still alive. I think I would have helped him; saved him. We would save each other.

Three tones go off and everyone jumps from their seats.

"Hand in your essays by tomorrow first thing in class," Mr. Lively commands his students. "And remember, have a thrilling Thursday!"

"Always with the theatrics with this guy." Kiran pops by my side, subtly gesturing to our English teacher with her thumb as we exit the classroom.

"His last name isn't for nothing," I comment with a hidden smile.

"Oh,"Kiran says, getting a little air as she comes to a halt. "You wanted to tell me something before class."