I hear Mom’s steps on the soft carpet. She pauses and I see her standing outside the door before mine in my mind. Every morning she pauses there, at what would have been Samantha’s door. Her steps start up again. Five, four, three, two, one, a soft knock sounds at my door.

“Levi, wake up sweetie.” She calls in, pushing the door open slowly.

I’m already up, digging through my dresser for clothes. She smiles as she sees me and while it reaches her eyes, I also see that haunted look that she always carries with her.

“What smells so good?” I ask, pulling out a shirt.

“Dad is making you some waffles for breakfast. Are you ready for your first day of school?” She asks.

“Yea, I guess. Cal and Aron are in my class, but I heard from one of Cal’s friends in the grade above us that the math is really hard this year.” I frown and pull the shirt over my head.

Mom chuckles, “Alright, well I’ll see you at the table.”

I hear the door shut quietly and finish changing. I pick up my backpack and shove the notebooks from my desk into it, then walk out the door.

*************

I hop off the bus and scan the throng of children for my cousins, Cal and Aron. Instead of finding them, I see Peter and Minzi, the school bullies, terrorizing a girl I’ve never seen before. I move towards them.

“Nice clothes, for a hobo.” Minzi sneers.

Their backs are to me, but I know there’s a sick smirk on Peter’s face. The girl cowers away from them, her auburn hair falling over her face. I can see her tremble underneath the shirt and skirt she’s wearing. Anger courses through me and I clench my fists, moving faster towards them.

“Stop, please.” I hear her beg, her voice barely loud enough to understand.

“Aw, is wittle baby hobo gonna cwy?” Peter teases in a mocking voice.

I hear the girl sniffle.

“Hey!” I shout, stopping behind the two. “Leave her alone.”

The two spin towards me and I see a glint in their eyes. Peter takes a step closer to me, looking like he’s ready to fight, but then they back off, their eyes falling to something behind me.

“I’ll deal with you later.” Peter hisses before the two run off into the building.

“Yeah! You better run!” I hear Cal call behind me.

I throw a quick wave to Cal and Aron then move to the girl.

“Hey,” I smile, “Are you okay? I’m sorry about Peter and Minzi. They’re real pricks.”

The girl’s hands move under her auburn curls, probably wiping away tears.

“It’s alright, I’m a friend. My name is Levi.” I say.

“Thank you, Levi.” I hear her mumble. She drops her hands and lifts her eyes to meet mine. They’re a gold, like coins in a treasure chest. ‘My name is Autumn.”

“That’s a pretty name.” I smile and bow slightly. “It is very nice to meet you, Autumn.”

Warmth surges through me as I see a small smile curve the corners of her mouth. When it touches her eyes, they glow. I hear feet shuffle on the ground behind me and her smile disappears, eyes going wide.

“Hey, the bell just rang.” Cal says.

“Alright,” I smile at Autumn, “These are my cousins Cal and Aron. What class are you in? I can show you the way.”

Autumn smiles timidly at my cousins and reaches into the small pocket on her skirt. Her eyes squint as she scans the paper she pulled out.

“Uhm, Mrs…Scott.” She mutters, dropping the paper back into her pocket.

“Hey, us too! Just come with us and we can all sit together!” I exclaim, excited to make a new friend.

Autumn looks at me for a moment then smiles. It’s the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen.

“Okay.” She agrees.