I open my eyes, and a shining light almost blinds me.

  I look around the room, a dark css with a hint of sun creeping through carefully drawn drapes. The only other person in my field of vision was none other than Mr. Cheng, my biology teacher, drinking some sort of pink liquid and noticing my movements.

  Mr.Cheng said"Good morning, sleepyhead. Is the desk that comfortable? If so, let me get a turn."

  Embarrassed, I replied, "Sorry for bothering you."

  "No need to be sorry; you didn't do anything. If someone bothered me, it would be those two friends of yours that are te with their assignments. Anyway, are you feeling better?"

  Begrudgingly I nodded in agreement.

  "I know I can't ever understand what you're going through, but if there is anything I can do for you, let me know."

  "If there is, I'll do."

  "Good, now take this phone of yours and get going home. Your parents will worry if you're te."

  "Yeah, I know they'd be waiting in anticipation. They can't be losing two in a week, can they?"

  "Hey, don't say that; you know they love you, right?"

  "Yeah, I do."

  "Then what are you waiting for, for me to dismiss you? GO!"

  Taking Mr. Cheng's words to heart as I left the cssroom, I decided to call my parents to let them know I'm on my way.

  Ring

  Ring

  Ring

  "Mom's not picking up. Let me try Dad."

  However, as soon as I hung up, Mom called me, her voice a mix of relief and worry.

  "Hey Tak, are you ok? I heard from Caleb you were sleeping. Where are you now?"

  "Yes, Mom, Caleb didn't lie to you. I was sleeping, and I'm still at school, so don't worry, I'm okay."

  "That's great, ok. Since you're at school, mind waiting a bit? I'll be passing by there in a bit on my way to the paper, unless you don't want to, of course."

  [WAIT] [GO HOME]