54

It felt as if I had been asleep for five minutes when my father woke me, shaking my shoulder gently.

“You slept in. You’re going to be late.” He said when I opened my eyes.

I yawned lazily and said

“I know. My back is killing me.”

My father gave me a sad smile and said

“Want me to call the school and tell them you won’t make it for the assembly?”

I shook my head and gave him a brave smile.

“Nah. I’ll go, get this assembly over with. Not doing to do this again though.” I said and started to sit up, feeling my back protest vehemently, the pain felt like a hot rod jabbed into my spine. “I’ll have a painkiller and strap the support vest on. You can always give me a ride to school?” I smiled at him.

He grinned and said

“I’ll let Gwen know. She’s waiting for you.”

I stared at him in confusion.

“She stopped to look in on you. Your mother had sent her a message telling her you’ll be late, your back was hurting you, and she stopped on her way out to ask if you needed a ride.” My father expl