The afternoon sky was etched into Chail's memory, despite its repetitive appearance. However, this particular afternoon held significance for him. Overwhelmed by disappointment, all he craved was the solace of returning home and losing himself in the captivating world of television.
Chail rushed out of the school entrance and headed straight for the gate, only to be stopped abruptly when something unexpectedly pulled on his shoulder. Taken aback, he turned around to find that it was the same boy he had seen earlier in the auditorium and hallway. Thoughts raced through Chail's mind, wondering why out of all the people, it had to be him. All he wanted was to go home, hoping it wasn't anything serious. The boy's presence sent a chill down Chail's spine, leaving him feeling uneasy and questioning the reason behind this unexpected encounter.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqwW6XURMc
Despite his strong desire to go home, Chail felt it would be impolite not to listen to what the boy had to say. He looked intently into the boy's eyes, his face reflecting confusion, as the boy spoke these words, "You were fortunate not to betray me."
Chail's confusion deepened upon hearing the boy's words, leaving him to ponder, "What in the world! Is that the only thing he had to say to me? Was it a threat? How did he even manage to get accepted into this school?" Despite his bewilderment, Chail understood where the boy was coming from and could empathize with his perspective. The mere thought of facing more trouble than he was already in sent a shiver of fear down his spine. However, a sense of relief washed over Chail as he realized that the boy had nothing further to share. With a composed tone, he declared, "If that's all you wanted to tell me, then I'll be on my way now."393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4BRvBQCXz
Chail persisted in his attempt to leave the school, but was abruptly grabbed by the shoulder, causing him to nearly stumble. Frustration began to build up within him as he thought to himself, (Oh, man!) Although he felt the desire to fight back, he remembered the wise advice his parents had taught him: always keep your hands and feet to yourself.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOv8pOuDH8
Chail stood silently, patiently waiting for the boy to speak. As moments stretched on, Chail couldn't help but wonder why there was no response after everything that had just happened. Finally, the boy broke the silence, expressing his desire to stick by Chail's side until the semester ended, out of fear that Chail might expose him. Caught off guard, Chail politely declined the offer, but the boy completely disregarded his opinion. With an air of authority, the boy insisted, "You have no choice but to accept these conditions. Otherwise, I will inform the teacher that you were the one responsible for the ball toss."393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oHwsAxYRV
This is truly a form of blackmail; it's disappointing that someone would stoop so low. Chail couldn't decide if he should feel sorry for the boy or admire his ingenuity in coming up with such a scheme.
It was futile to argue with the boy, as he was determined to avoid further trouble. "Okay, fine, you can come along, but there was no need to blackmail me," Chail muttered, feeling troubled as he released his distress with a sigh.
Chail continued along the path, with an associate trailing behind him, trying to escape the confines of the school gate. The atmosphere surrounding him and the boy was suffused with an uncomfortable tension that lingered even after leaving the gate. Chail quietly contemplated the unease and pondered whether he should attempt to break the ice. Suddenly, the boy broke the silence by asking, "Hey, what's your name?" He responded, "It's Chail."
The boy informed Chail that his name was Mieal after Chail introduced himself. As they arrived in Castries town, not too far from their school, the tension between the boys remained, creating an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere.
Chail wanted to reach his bus stop quickly to distance himself from Mieal, as he had no desire to interact with him. However, expressing this directly was not an option for Chail. Just as the awkward silence settled between them, Mieal broke it by asking, "Have you ever been to the candy shop?"
Trying to get Chail's attention, Mieal said, "It's not too far from here."
Sweet tooth
At the sound of candy reaching his ears, Chail's attention was instantly grabbed, despite his annoyance towards Mieal. While he longed to return home, thoughts of the sweet treats consumed his mind. Excitedly, he thought to himself, (Candy! Candy! Candy! Candy! CANDY!) Unable to contain his curiosity, Chail asked Mieal, "I wonder what kind of candy they have?"393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSP7RB1OjM
Despite being acquaintances, the idea of getting candy sounded exciting to Chail, although he felt anxious about whether he could trust the boy or not. However, his mind remained fixated on candy, as it was the only thing he could think about.
Mieal replied to Chail's question with his own, "Would you be interested in coming to check it out?" There was a slight excitement in Mieal's voice, making it clear that he genuinely wanted Chail to accompany him. Mieal couldn't help but think to himself, (It's strange how just moments ago he didn't want anything to do with me, and now he wants to get candy together?) Mieal felt grateful that someone who had helped him out of trouble was now interested in learning about his preferences.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva726phPd3
Mieal found himself contemplating Chail and how his feelings towards him had slightly shifted. Despite this, Mieal still hesitated to fully trust Chail when it came to revealing the true owner of the ball to their teacher.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjeNHnhPrU
""Well, we should hurry before the shop closes," Mieal said to Chail, leading them in a different direction. Curiosity stirred within Chail as he followed Mieal towards the candy shop, eager to see what it looked like since he had never been there before.
The idea of going home slipped from his mind as he became captivated by the array of candy on display. "Hey, you still haven't answered my question," Chail said, his voice tinged with nervousness, addressing Mieal.
Chail and Mieal eagerly stepped into the candy shop, their eyes widening with excitement as they beheld the magnificent array of candies inside the glass cabinets. Each sweet treat featured a dazzling display of colors and unique shapes, filling them with wonder and delight.
Mieal asked Chail "which one are you going to buy?", but Chail was unsure how to respond since he didn't know the prices.
There were no price tags for the sweets in the cabinets, which could potentially harm the business as some people prefer not to ask the store clerk for the prices. Chail found this situation quite bothersome.
"We should ask for the price before buying anything," Chail suggested to Mieal. In agreement, he approached the store clerk and asked about the prices of the coconut balls – the candy he desired.
The store clerk answered Mieal's question, saying, "It's $1.50 for one coconut ball." Mieal was taken aback by the price; it was much more expensive than he had expected. He couldn't understand why the cost was so high.
Chail couldn't help but wonder, (What's wrong with him?) as he observed Mieal's surprised reaction. It was puzzling to Chail because he had never bought candy for himself before. This visit to the candy store was an entirely new experience for him, as his parents were usually the ones who purchased candy whenever they felt like it.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE9813d7os
Chail was eager to buy one of the coconut balls and was just about to ask the store clerk when Mieal intervened and prevented him from doing so.
Excitedly whispering, Mieal said to Chail, "I know another amazing place!" before darting out of the store. Confused, Chail wondered, "What is he talking about?" Perplexed, he found himself unable to understand which place Mieal was referring to. This candy store was the only one he knew, unless you considered the grocery store, Massy393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS7LP7DSDo
Chail walked out of the candy shop and noticed Mieal standing about 19 meters away, next to a lady who had set up a table filled with tempting snacks and sweets, all displayed in uncovered containers.
Each type of candy had its own designated container on her table. The lady was one of the numerous local vendors that can be found all throughout this country. These vendors specialize in a wide array of products such as vegetables, fruits, electronics, various oils, clothing, and snacks. However, the most commonly sold items by vendors are fruits and vegetables, making it convenient for locals who no longer need to search various areas for fresh produce.
This was all Chail knew about the vendors, and he wasn't quite sure whether he would rather make a purchase from a vendor or from the candy shop.
"Excuse me, Miss, how much do the coconut balls cost?" Mieal asked the vendor, to which the vendor lady replied, "50 cents." Chail was taken aback by the surprisingly low price. He felt a twinge of irritation, realizing he had almost paid $1.50 for just one coconut ball.
Chail and Mieal each gave the vendor lady 50 cents for a coconut ball, and she kindly wrapped it in paper foil before handing it to them.
While munching on the coconut balls, Chail and Mieal bid farewell to the lady. They had no specific destination in mind, merely wandering aimlessly.
Lost in his thoughts, Chail couldn't help but be amazed at how street-smart Mieal was. Without Mieal, he would have easily fallen victim to overpriced goods.
The coconut balls were incredibly delicious, and their amazing taste helped him overcome the unpleasant encounter with Mieal at the school gate. Although he forgave Mieal for blackmailing him, he still couldn't forgive him for making his first day of school so difficult.
Mieal asked Chail, "Have you been to the game shop?" but Chail simply replied, "No." This made Chail's mind wander back to a rumor he had heard a few weeks ago, before school began, suggesting that the game shop might be shutting down.
He was unsure why it was closing down; it was just something he had overheard. Chail was eager to visit the game shop, but it was getting late. He didn't want to get in trouble with his parents by arriving home late.
"We can go to the game shop tomorrow, but I need to head home now," Chail told Mieal. Mieal responded with a disappointed "Oh, okay." Chail didn't have time to dwell on Mieal's reaction; his only focus was getting home.
Determined, Chail made up his mind and began walking to his bus stop. Surprisingly, Mieal decided to follow him, even though there was no apparent reason to do so. As Chail reached his destination, he confidently boarded the first bus that arrived.
Mieal wanted to bye to Chail, but it appeared that Chail was indifferent. As the bus filled up and every seat was occupied, Chail secured the last spot in the back row. With the bus ready to depart, the door closed abruptly, and the vehicle started its journey. Mieal watched as the bus departed, realizing he had no other plans, so he chose to head home.
Mieal caught one last glimpse of the departing bus and noticed a hand waving from the window; he couldn't tell whose hand it was, but it brought him joy. "See you tomorrow."
