"Hey kid what’s wrong?" It was Kirin. Alex mumbled out a few words but she couldn't hear them. "Speak up. I can't hear you."
"My quota has been met." He mumbled a bit louder.
"What quota?" She seemed a little confused.
"I might be put into an orphanage to die and rot. I'm stupid too. I just made my best friend lose her cool. She's probably furious at me. That or she thinks I'm as weak as a two year old."
Kirin remained quiet then looked back at him. "You are. Now stop lying to yourself kid."
Alex wiped his eyes and looked back at her sympathetic face.
"It's bad for your health." She looked over at him and then hissed out, "Go apologize for making her cry! Get!" She swatted him and he ran to where he knew Calista was. He just forgot the small present that Calista left, and Kirin picked up.
Alex ran. He kept running. Past every branch and every tree that came in his way, until he reached the clearing with the railroad tracks.
"Calista!" He shouted. The figure on the crate lifted its head out from where it was safely tucked between the knees and looked back at Alex.
"Calista I'm sorry!" He caught his breath. Calista just looked back at him.
"I just get so frustrated." She finally said. "Why can't I break through to you? Why is it so hard?" her voice wavered a little then she steadied it, making her voice sound hard and monotone, the way she spoke to many, now all.
“I don’t know anymore. Maybe it’s something that we can try to figure out together.” He raised his hand out to her but she just got down and walked away.
“It’s too late now. It’s been too much for me. I’m sorry but you’ve lost your chance.” With that she walked away, slowly but fast enough for Alex to not see her expression.