the biting I’ve done, and the skin around them red and raw.
By the time I’m seated in my usual chair in Carter’s—Professor Ford’s—class, it’s impossible to zone out no matter how much I want the day to end. I’m physically and emotionally drained after being scolded by my advisor this morning about my student teaching position, followed by the reprimanding conversation insisting I had very few options. She told me I wouldn’t graduate unless I apologized to Harris and finished what I started.
Professor Ford’s gaze scrolls across the room, waiting for someone to speak up on the question he asked. With each second that passes, his shoulders droop just a little lower by the lack of answers. I’m not sure why I feel bad about it, but I do.
“Why do myths exist?” he repeats, stopping a few feet in front of me. “This isn’t a trick question. You’re all adults with, hopefully, working minds. Think.”
Internally sighing, I raise my hand.
His eyes cut to me instantly, like he was hoping I’d speak up. “Piper.”
“Myths gives us reasons to justify why the world works the way it does,” I answer, glancing at everyone staring at me. I return my gaze to his dark eyes. “They bring comfort to people who try rationalizing everything.”
His arms cross. “Like?”
“Uh…” I blink. “I think about Greek Mythology and how there’s a God for different aspects of life. There’s a reason why the seasons change, and where you go after death. There seems to be an answer for everything, which people need.”
“Because…?”
“It’s human nature to want answers. Nobody likes being left in the unknown. If you knew the Underworld existed, you’d probably feel a little more at ease about death.” My throat tightens over the thought of something like the afterlife existing. I used to be obsessed with Greek Mythology when I was younger. My mom would take me to the local library where I checked out every single book they had on the various myths.
What did Danny believe in? He went to church with his wife every Sunday, but he admitted he wasn’t sure if he fully believed in God or what happens after death. I wonder if he ever decided before the night of the accident. Did he make peace with his doubts? He wouldn’t be in the worst depths of Hades if that even exists. Danny was good. Too good. He cared.
Just not about me.
Carter must see me drift off, because he gets other people’s opinions on the matter. A few students go back and forth on the realness of myths, arguing that it’s all bullshit. Is it? Anything is possible.
I’m not sure where my mind is the rest of the class period. It’s not involved in the discussion, but not centered anywhere specific either. I’m stuck somewhere in between, drifting in nothingness that I suffocate in. My chest becomes heavy, but not as weighed down as my head from the feelings I refuse to accept. They pile on my shoulders until it’s hard to function at all. I’m Atlas.
Startled when everybody gets up, I snap out of whatever realm I’m stuck in and look around the room as it empties. I begin shoving my notebook into my bag, noting the empty paper that’s supposed to be full of discussion points from class, and sigh to myself.
“Piper,” Carter says, walking up to me with his hands in his pockets.
“I need to—”
“Stay,” he cuts me off. “Talk to me.”
My jaw ticks. Why do guys always assume I want to talk to them? “I have places I need to be, Professor Ford. But thanks for the offer.”
I stand up, he steps to block me. “It’s not an offer. You weren’t paying attention, you never wrote anything down, and barely participated. What’s going on?”
Not seeing how it’s any of his business, I slide my bag strap over my shoulder and shake my head at him. “All due respect, my time with you is over for the day. I’m going home.”
He doesn’t grab me like East does, knowing his boundaries. But I can tell he wants to stop me. “You’ve always been a smart kid, Piper. Don’t let whatever is going on in your personal life impact your schoolwork.”
My nostrils flare. “You know nothing.”
“That’s because you won’t tell me,” he points out, arms crossing over his chest. Today’s combo is a light gray button down shirt and black slacks. In hindsight, he’s right. He knows it, I know it, but pride is a bitch. “If you’re going to