Chapter 9
Returning to lunch was the hardest part.
The cafeteria looked the same.
Same smell of pizza.
Same loud chairs.
Same long tables.
But everyone looked at me differently.
Some with pity.
Some with guilt.
Some with curiosity.
I hated all of it.
Emma waved me over.
She sat with two other kids from science class.
I hesitated.
She patted the seat beside her.
“Come on.”
I sat.
My lunchbox felt heavy in my hands.
Mom had packed rice again.
Chicken again.
And a note.
This one said:
Eat well, buddy. You are not what they say.
I folded it carefully and put it in my pocket before eating.
Emma noticed.
May you like
“Good idea,” she said.
I almost smiled.
