I thought I saw her in the hallway.
It was between classes. Crowded.
But I tried. I pushed
through the conversations
pushed
past the bystanders
pushed
even though some people pushed back, told me to watch it.
She was ahead of me. I swore it.
But I was losing sight of her.
Instead I saw Mrs. McGuinness coming out of the guidance office.
“It wasn’t your fault, Evan! You did the right thing!”
Mrs. McGuinness, noticing me.
“She was sick! If she’d been bleeding on the street, you would’ve run to get help. It’s the same thing!”
Mrs. McGuinness, realizing it had been a while since one of our chats.
“I’m here for you, Evan! We’re all here for you!”
I had to stop pushing. I had to turn around. I couldn’t let her talk to me.