Awake

I was floating through a black tunnel. The darkness scared me. Everything was silent except for the thumping sound of my heart that echoed from the walls. I felt nothing but fear and the cold dark air against my skin. Suddenly my mothers voice pushed through the wall – like a needle pushing into a vein. I woke up. 7:15 am. It smelled of coffee, bacon and cold sweat.

4 hours and 17 minutes later. My head was about to explode. My hands were shaking. The word ‘exam’ threw my brain into seizures. When Mr. Fletcher read out the task, it sounded as if he’d read out my death sentence. There was no sudden flash of genius. No hidden talent revealed itself. None of my classmates let me copy their answer. I felt lost, helpless and utterly awkward sitting in front of a blank page for two hours.

Lunch break. An infinite number of students stampeded through the hallways loudly. The noise invaded my ears. The smell of cafeteria food crawled into my nostrils. I needed to get out of here. The main door got closer and closer and then I felt the cold metal door handle against my skin. Fresh air…

“Wake up Allison, or you’ll miss the bus.” My mothers voice.