48

“I’m tired.” I sigh and slump down into my seat in English class. Our first lesson on the first day back from break, but my usual energy for school is absent. It feels like I haven’t slept in days. I don’t want to be here for once, and I have a growing dread and subtle anxiety about seeing Jordan and his friends again. It's been quiet for a few days, but I know it will be awkward when he arrives.

“You spent the last two days of the break at the animal shelter working like a slave and then still staying up to cram in extra study time. You need to take more downtime, Koala. It’s not good for you to occupy your waking hours with constant work.” Elisa pats me on the shoulder before sliding out her books and pencil case, and I stretch my arms up over my head, yawning and trying to loosen my stiff body. Closing my eyes to savor the exquisite sensation of relaxing all my muscles.

“You sound like my mom…. I know, okay. It’s hard to relax when downtime gives you too much thinking space.” I kno