I assured him I was okay,
insisted he'd go catch his train.

Though the meeting had shook me,
I knew how to stand and behave.

He told me
forget about today,
use camp as an opportunity for relaxation
and not to keep peering at that dense haze.

But I couldn't.
The truth burned and scalded my face.
Her lies felt like a wet blanket,
soothing all the ache.

It would be easier to oblige,
to push aside dreams of justice
and give in to her lies.

But, no I couldn't.
And I wouldn't.
Cause to do so I'd betray someone's trust.

Tear burned behind my eyes.
I told him once again that I was alright.

He let out a heavy side,
left me at the school gates.

Father knew I considered this my place.
My safe place.
My hiding place.