Thread by @5ystemCrashed

#ShortStories

Written by Fatal 5ystem.
At Summer's End - Part 2

It is Maeda-sensei. Red lipstck starting to fade. Her makeup smeared from crying.

"Shimazaki-kun?" She said in surprise as she tried to wipe any evidence of harship away. "What are you doing here?"

"My house is

just up the street from here. I could ask you the same thing, sensei." I responded with mild curiousity.

And without any fuss fluster she spoke, "I'm just passing the time." An odd smirk ran across her face as she looked off toward the apartment complex behind me. I know why

her smirk was odd. It was a forced smile. The kind of smile that is supposed to act as a cover, but the eyes betrayed every emotion the mouth intended to hide. That was her expression. She stared up at the illuminated window on the 3rd floor balcony. Next to the windowed door was

the laundry hanging from the balcony ceiling above. A couple of the items that caught my eye, hanging from clothespins, was the articles of clothing that Maeda-sensei wore to school on a regular basis. That must be her apartment. why is she out here?

"Is there something wrong?"

I asked. I knew it was not my place to meddle in the affairs of adults, but the situation just felt off.

"It's none of your concern." She replied in a cold manner. But she still held that forced smile.

"If you say so." I hated having to end it there, but what could I do? When

a adult superior tells me to drop the subject, I am gonna drop it. Mainly because she is my teacher.

"You take care, Shimazaki-kun. Enjoy your summer break." She replied with a little bit of pep in her voice.

"I will. See you later, Maeda-sensei." I waved back and then left.

August 2nd.

Was hoping I would get a chance to hang out with Saori-chan today, as it was my day off. Of course, she said she was busy, so there goes that idea. Bored, I decided to head to Shibuya and check out the shops there. Seeing if anything caught my eye. Maybe something

as a gift for Saori-chan.

Then I caught a glimpse of something in the distance near the Shibuya Crossing. A couple of people walking hand in hand. I couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous of how cute they looked together. Wish I was walking and holding hands with

Saori-chan right now. As I looked closer, I caught the familair chestnut color that was Saori-chan's hair. Almost the same style, but I couldn't tell if that was her from this far back. There's no way it can be her. Saori-chan always dressed respectable. Cute looking, even.

This style was not the quiet style I know Saori-chan to have. Plus, Saori-chan has always stated that she does not like to wear hats. This girl had ballcap on with her ponytail pulled through the back. It couldn't be her. After reassuring myself that it couldn't be her, i watched

as the couple faded amongst the crowd of people at the crossing.

Walking home from the train station, I passed by the park again. Maeda-sensei was not there this evening. I glanced up at the 3rd floor balcony that she was looking at last time. It has been two days and it seems

that nothing has changed. Her school attire was still hanging up. The light in the apartment was on. I don't know why, but it's as if time has stopped at that apartment. Only the world progresses onward.

Once I got home, I decided to email Saori-chan. "I was in Shibuya today.

Was looking around and seeing if there was anything you might like." Hit send.

Ding! Saori-chan: "You were? That's a coincidence. So was I. I was out shopping with a friend."

My mind flashed back to what I had saw earlier in the day. A guy and a girl walking hand in hand.

The thought of that girl being Saori-chan started to bounce around prominantley in my mind. Saori-chan walking around with and older guy? It's just preposterous. The guy looked like he was in his late 30s. Could it have been her dad? No. Who would hold hands like that in public

with their father? That is just weird. And then there is the style. It was way to loud of a style for Saori-chan. Plus there is the hat. She said that she does not like them. I kept repeating everything in my head for reassurance. It could't have been her.

"Maybe we can go

shopping together sometime." Send.

Ding! Saori-chan: "Sure!"

August 10th.

Saori-chan and I did go shopping and we had a good time as well. We even stopped at the music store that I work at to check out what was popular. That was on August 4th. It's now the 10th and I

haven't spoken to her since then. I had to go back to work and make more money so I could go on more dates. While working at the music store, I see that same couple again. Walking past the store. An older man in his 30s, and a young woman with chestnut colored hair, wearing the

loud and feisty looking clothing with a ballap on. She looks so much like Saori-chan, but like before, there's no way it could be her. That loud and feisty style of clothing just isn't Saori-chan. I don't know why my brain insists on making the connection, but it is not her. It

can't be.

I closed up the store and went home like I usually did and went on home. I passed by the Supermarket, and woman walked at out as I crossed the path of the entrance, Nearly bumping into the woman.

"My apologies, ma'am." I said in near embarrassment. "I wan't paying

attenion."

"It's quite alright. Shimazaki-kun?" A familiar voice spoke.

"Maeda-sensei. What a coincidence."

"Yes indeed." She chuckles softly.

I glanced down at her bag that had two cans of beer, a pack of cigarettes, and bag of potato chips. Then I looked away because

it was non of my business. But I had a feeling. I had a feeling that she was going to sit on the swing at the playground tonight. And my feeling was right. As we neared the playground, Maeda-sensai darted for her usual seat on the swingset. And I decided to accompany her.

"Are

you not going home yet, Shimazaki-kun? It's getting dark out." She aked.

"I've got time. Or is my company getting in the way of something?" I ask pointing to her grocery bag with the beer.

She lifts it up up with a slightly guilty look on her face. "You got me."

I sit down

on the swing next to her. "So, why are you always sitting out here by yourself?" I wasn't sure if I should press for an answer or not. But I guess I didn't have to. Without saying a word, she showed me why. All she did was move her hair and tuck it be behind her ear. And then I

saw it. A bruise that was revealed above the neckline of her shirt. I never would've noticed it if hadn't moved her hair. It wasn't just a small bruise either. It was something that she tried to hide under her clothes or maybe even makeup.
"I -uh-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have

asked." I said as I looked away. I knew it wasn't my place to ask about such things. Nor would I be privaledged with such information.

"It's alright." She said softly. Her near flat-lined smile was painted with a relunctant sadness. Like she had resigned herself to her fate.

TBC
Part 3 coming soon.

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