Noir Kid

Time often sneaks by as we venture through our life journey. When we’ve celebrated a half-century of birthdays, as I have, looking back is no longer catching a glimpse into yesterday, it’s more like a younger reflection living life when the world was new and a lifetime of adventures lay ahead. Adding a noir filter to my recollections adds a flavor all its own.

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My regular day:

I woke up feeling weary. It had been more than a week since my mom asked me not to keep the light on all night for reading. Instead of risking getting in trouble again, I decided to read by the light of the moon. Even though I did my best to follow the rules, I soon realized I would have to stay awake until midnight for my night sky light to appear outside my window.

Mom called out for me to get ready for school, and I knew it was crucial not to let on how little sleep I had. With less than an hour of sleep, I quickly washed, got dressed, and headed out, doing my best to appear normal. I said my goodbyes and made my way down the road to the bus stop. I heard some kids laugh at me as I walked by, making my way to the back of the bus. Despite my efforts, I realized I didn’t brush my hair or tuck in my shirt. Fortunately, a few rowdy kids were in the back, making it easy for me to avoid being teased further.

As I looked out the window, I saw the world streak by and felt myself getting a bit drowsy. A nap would have been nice, but instead, two rowdies started to fight. A few seconds later, the bus came to a stop, and the driver took them both to the front, threatening to toss them out if they didn’t behave. It was only ten minutes to school, and they quieted down while the bus snickered at the excitement.

At school, I felt like I was sleepwalking. Each class became background noise as I struggled to stay awake. Lunch was a challenge while I sat with my lunch tray, trying to cut my Salisbury steak with a bent fork and dull knife. I ate a little before the bell rang, and watched the cafeteria clear as if on fast forward. I made my way to my next class only to find the door locked. After a few tries, the teacher showed up, looking displeased and saying I was late. I knew this already and waited patiently for him to open the door. Instead, he vanished and I stood in the empty hallway, confused. This would be the last class of the day and I saw no point waiting in the hall until school was over.

I knew the way home, so I walked out and headed home. The walk took much longer than the bus, but I arrived more than half an hour before school let out. My surprised mother asked why I was home early, and I explained that the teacher locked me out of class so I came home.

The ensuing phone call sounded frustrating from both sides, and eventually, I was told to go to my room. That was okay. I didn’t feel like playing anyway, so I turned in and caught up with my much-needed sleep, knowing the adventures between the pages would wait for another time.

Onwards! +

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My Noir Day:

I woke with weariness hanging heavy, more than a week deep into my mother’s decree against keeping a light burning all night so I could partake in some literary abandon. Instead of risking another tongue-lashing, I opted for moonlit reading. I soon reckoned I had to hold out until midnight for the night’s celestial spotlight outside my window.

Mom hollered for me to get prepped for school, and I felt it essential not to betray the dearth of sleep. On less than an hour of shut eye, I rushed through my routine, donned my chosen attire, and hit the road, putting on my best fa?ade to fool mom. Quick goodbyes were had and I trudged down the familiar road to the bus stop. In no time, I was underway, catching some laughter from kids I passed as I made a beeline to the back of the bus. Despite my efforts, I took note how I hadn’t bothered with my hair or tucked in my shirt. Luckily, a ruckus in the back offered cover from further potential ribbing.

Gazing out the window, a world of shadows zipped by and I felt the pull of drowsiness. A nap was tempting, but a pair of troublemakers decided to scrap. Moments later, the bus halted, the driver dragging the two combatants to the front. A threat was made to boot them out if they didn’t simmer down and silence ensued. With only ten minutes to school, the duo held their peace as the rest of the bus reveled in commotion.

At school, I meandered like a zombie. Classes blurred into background hums as I grappled to keep my eyes open. Lunch presented its own set of hurdles as I struggled with a tray, slicing my Salisbury steak with a gnarled fork and a dull blade. I nibbled a bit before hearing the bell ring and I watched the cafeteria clear like a sped-up movie flick. My weary path to class led me to a locked door. After a few futile attempts, the teacher sauntered over, looking irked, and accused me of tardiness. I knew that much already, so I patiently waited for him to unlock the door. Instead, he vanished, leaving me stranded in the vacant corridor, perplexed. It was to be the last class of the day, and waiting in the hall until school’s end seemed pointless.

Knowing my way, I hoofed it out of the school, heading back home. The trek was longer than a bus ride, but with some effort, I made it home a half hour before school was done. My astonished mother inquired about my early return, and I spilled the tale of my teacher locking me out.

The ensuing telephone exchange oozed frustration from both ends, culminating in banishment to my room. That suited me just fine as I wasn’t in the mood for outdoor excursions. I tucked in and happily welcomed the sweet embrace of slumber, assured that the adventures between the pages would be mine another day.

Onwards! +