THE FIRE

The food on my plate was warm, but it felt heavy in my hands. I poked at it, shifting the pieces around with my fingers, but I couldn't bring myself to eat no matter how many times I tried.

I could hear the whispers from the opposite tables. Tears burned my eyes but I took a deep breath and decided it was best to keep my emotions under control.

I felt their stares on my skin, the weight of their judgments pressing down on me. No one spoke to me. No one sat too close. It was as if I had a deadly sickness they didn't want to catch.

"Eat," Thania murmured beside me, her voice gentle but firm.

I swallowed hard, picking up a piece of bread and taking a small bite. It tasted like dust in my mouth and I swallowed the dry lump.

"It'll be okay," she added softly as she squeezed my hand.

It won't, I wanted to say, but the words stuck in my throat. I didn't have the energy to argue about the outcome of my situation.