Page 10 of Symphony for Lies

“I don’t want to change schools.” A tear slipped down Simon’s cheek. “And I don’t want you to leave, either.”

Aww…

I wrapped my arms around him, rubbing his back in soothing circles. His tiny frame trembled as he quietly sobbed into my shirt.

It took a while, but he calmed down a little, and I handed him a tissue.

“Don’t worry, Simon. I’ll try to talk to your mother.”

He hesitated, then gave a slight nod.

“And about the tutoring ending… That was a joke. I thought it would be a compliment to say you didn’t need me anymore. But of course, I’ll still be here for a while.”

“Thank you,” he sighed in relief. But then, in a whisper, he added, “I’m still alone.”

The ache in my chest tightened.

“When you leave, I’m alone in my room. Tomorrow, when I go to school, I’m alone. When I do my homework, I’m alone. Dad is never home. Zane is barely around. And Mom is always… too busy with herself.”

God.

That hurt.

“What about things you enjoy? What makes you happy?” I tried to give him something, anything, to hold on to. But his answer sent ice through my veins.

“I’m not allowed to do anything.”

“What?”

He shrugged. “I’m not allowed to read adventure books, only educational ones. I can’t watch TV. I can’t play outside because I might get hurt.I’m only allowed to play the violin or piano, but it’s no fun… And I don’t have any friends.”

I was speechless.

Mrs. Cole controlled everything.

I took a deep breath, thinking.

“Do you enjoy studying with me?”

His eyes lit up. “Yes! The other tutors were too strict. But with you, it’s fun.”

I exhaled, “Then I’ll stay for a while longer.”

His smile returned, but deep inside, I knew it was fake.

After that, Simon opened up to me more than ever.He spoke about his thoughts and worries, and I did my best to comfort him.

By the end of our session, I could tell how exhausted he really was. His eyes dropped mid-sentence, and he forced them back open every time they closed.

Eventually, I convinced him that it was time to stop. I gathered my things, and he walked me to the front door.

But before I could leave, I was held up by Mrs. Cole’s cold gaze in the hallway.

Her face was, as always, flawlessly made up, and her dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. She wore a sleek black evening dress, a striking contrast to her strict expression.

“Amelia, may I have a word with you?”

Simon flinched in surprise. “Mom, when did you get back?”