Empty

I throw my lanyard over my neck and look down at my clothes and take in this moment before I begin a brand new chapter in my life. I embrace this moment where I can finally just wear sweatpants to a job that is structured and, for the most part, predictable. This moment is quickly ruined by the vivid memory of putting my uniform on for the very last time before it happened, but I immediately redirect my thoughts to happier ones. I take a deep breath as I count my blessings as I finally get to live out my dream: to work with children.

I knew I wanted to become a gym teacher since sixth grade, when I would spend a lot of my free time playing sports at the local park with the younger kids. I grew up in the city which meant we had a piece of pavement to call our backyard and a working single mom, which resulted in us spending a lot of time hanging around with the other kids in the neighborhood whose parents also weren't home most of the time.

My mom was a good mom, but she was struggling to make ends meet as it was and despite my yearning to attend a university right after high-school, I knew we couldn't afford it. College just wasn't an option for me. So, naturally, I did what any other desperate and broke teenager who wants to attend college one day does: I joined the military who promised to pay for all of my higher-education. It all sounded too good to be true and it was.

I shake my head as I catch myself recalling these unwanted memories. Just focus on now, Chris. I made it out alive, and I get to make my dreams a reality today.

I hear a knock on the bathroom door. "Are you ready, honey?" Laila says as she opens the door. I look at her through the mirror and admire her beauty. I've been with Laila for about five years now, since getting back from overseas. She's been my rock. I couldn't have made it this far without her, I owe her everything and more. I lean over to give her a kiss and smile at her.

"As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose," I say.

"You're going to do great, babe. I mean, have you seen how sexy you are?" A sneaky grin slips out from the side of her lip, "also, how hard can teaching gym to a bunch of preschoolers be? Don't they run in circles anyway?" I force a smile at her joke. I know she means well. Elementary. I'm teaching elementary students. I don't bother correcting her.

I follow Laila to the kitchen and she hands me a lunchbox and a travel coffee mug, which makes me smile. She's always been such a caring and kind soul. I can't wait to marry this woman.

I smile as I realize how great everything is going in my life. I'm out of the military, I finished college, I have an amazing girlfriend, and I have a normal job.

I set my lunch and cup down to grab Laila's waist and pull her in for a kiss. As our lips meet, my hands move up her body, from her waist to her cheeks. I give her one last kiss and turn her head gently to whisper in her ear, "I'll be back around four o'clock, I don't want to see a single piece of clothing on you when I get back."

Laila puts her head down and giggles. I give her a soft kiss on the cheek, pick my things back up, and leave the apartment.

...

I'm walking into the building and there's already an abundance of teachers in the building, most of which are female. I wonder if any men teach at this school. It would be nice to have someone to talk to about sports and stuff.

"Good Morning!" Someone says to me, I smile and clear my throat as I respond "morning". I put my head down as I walk to the gym.

"Good Morning!" Another person says in a sing-songy voice.

I smile and say "how are ya?"

"Great! Have a good one!" she responds. She has quite a lot of energy for it being only seven in the morning. "You too," I say.