As he stared he saw what he could only describe as anguish. He was distraught by the sight. Soon enough Renee had to say something.

“Gabe? Are you okay? One cannot hear the words inside, no matter the time they wasted as they tried.”

“Ah. Yeah. I’m fine, but what about you?”

“I am fine as well.” She looked away quickly. Then she mumbled something that Gabriel did not catch. “Do not show me false concern for it only adds to the burn.”

Gabriel let it go. He didn’t want to upset her. Especially when she already looked so troubled.

Later that day, as they were leaving the school, Renee had dropped the notebook that she left all her poems in. It fell to a page that made Gabriel’s stomach churn in worry.

“Do not fear.
The end is near.
The pain will end
And hearts will mend.
Though you’re gone
The stubborn dawn
Will continue to come
And erase all glum.”

Something was definitely wrong.