Honey Grim

:: previous – A Great Night

Emilian

It’s the first day of spring semester. The sun is at its brightest and there’s a chill in the air as I walk to Instructor Inga’s class.

I’m going in early today to get my favorite spot: the window table. It’s a rectangular length dark wood table for two with the best view in class of endless sky, wildflowers, and looming black mountains.

Like I assumed, class is empty and the table unclaimed, waiting just for me.

I go over, set my things down, and open the window, letting the air wash over me. Inhaling deep, I stretch out against the windowsill and let my mind drift. I could sit here forever.

This is paradise…

The classroom door swings open, breaking my thought. I turn around to the dark shape idling in the doorway.

“Sorry I’m late! I got so lost!” it calls.

“Pardon?” I can’t see a face.

It steps inside. Closer.

It’s a… girl.

“Are you Instructor Inga?” she asks me.

“No.”

She looks around the room and frowns. “So, I’m not late? It’s so quiet and empty in here.”

“Because you’re early.”

Not the brightest bulb. She’ll drop from class after the placement test.

I turn to my window.

“Ooh! What a great view!” She inches closer. “Mind if I sit? It’s my first day. I don’t know anyone—”

“Yes.”

What next, marriage? Why is she speaking to me?

“Cool. Thanks.”

She pulls the chair out.

I push it in. Maybe too hard…

“Ow!” She jerks her crushed fingers off the chair. “What’s your problem?”

“Excuse me, when I said yes, my intent wasn’t for you to sit. I do mind…” I watch her rub her fingers. “And your injury was a casualty of your ignorance.” Her face falls as she stares at me. “I like to be alone. Do you understand?”

Instructor Inga arrives, followed by a student, then a flood of more. The aisles swell with people and chitchat as everyone settles in.

“Sorry to disturb you.”

She walks off, wedging through the crowd as Inga waves at her.

Off and on, I observe them talking. I try to see her face again, but her messy hair cloaks it from where I’m sitting.

She’s in the tiniest white jean shorts I’ve ever seen. Puzzling, since she’s wearing a hoodie. Probably hiding extra pounds in there.

“It’s open seating for now, but since you’re new, it’d be better if you sat with…Oh! Emilian.”

Or maybe not. Her legs are long and tanned. By the look of her calves, she’s athletic.

Wait… What did Inga say?

“He’s over by that beautiful window. Mm, I can feel the sunny cool air from here… Emilian?”

Inga waves at me.

“Yes, ma’am?” I heard her, perhaps she misspoke.

“This is Misa Honey. She just moved from Fortune. I was thinking you could give her a campus tour. She missed the official one and had trouble finding her other classes today.”

“N-no, that’s okay…” Misa protests.

“Oh please, I insist. Emilian is one of our top students. He’ll take good care of you.”

No I won’t.

Misa approaches. Our eyes meet. Hers are gray-blue and somber.

“Hi,” she whispers.

Her small hands shake as she takes off her backpack. No surprise. Everyone quakes and melts into puddles when I’m around. Like Misa. So why is she back?

“Is this some joke you and Inga are playing against me?” I ask, opening a new file in my notes. I write Misa’s name at the top, underlined twice.

“Huh?”

“You’re back. I like to be alone. Inga knows I like to be alone, yet you’re here again after speaking with her.”

“I don’t under—” she sighs. “I’ll just leave…”

“Yes, you do that.”

She takes off.

I look ahead. Inga is scowling at me.

“Emilian, take Misa on the tour now.”

Seriously?

“Yes, ma’am.” I sigh and rise, remembering Misa will be gone for good after the placement test.

She doesn’t belong here.

Featured Image: Canva

Conversation

  1. 北方榆 (Northern Elm)

    if Mr. Grim did catch up with Miss Honey, what cocktail are the two going to mingle into…. very interesting writing! love it!

    1. Kirsten Curcio

      Haha! We shall see! Thank you! 🙂

  2. Madd_Fictional

    Ah, it’s refreshing to finally meet someone as keen to new interactions as I am. Don’t you just hate when new people are foisted upon you? The Ingas of the world are so inconsiderate. What about my needs?

    Interesting start, Kirsten.

    1. Kirsten

      Thank you Rhyan! I know what you mean, I’ve had a lot of Inga’s do this to me.

  3. Mike U.

    This Grim dude seems rather…grim. Your characters are so life-like, especially the mean ones! 😀 I’ll stay tuned to see what happens next! 🙂

    1. Kirsten

      Thank you Mike! Gotta love those meanies, they add the spark. 🙂

  4. Ghost Human Bones | Word Spell

    […] Honey Grim […]

  5. DEVANG UPADHYAYA

    What a funny story!!
    I feel bad for Mr Grim. Dude was enjoying his peace and everything was fine. Such stuff happens in real life too. So this shows how relatable your stories are. Honey, was not wrong, she was trying to be friendly, but some people want to be alone. I blame Inga!!!
    Lovely story. I need part 2, is there part 2?
    You said TBC, please give me part 2.

    1. Kirsten

      Haha, I blame Inga too. Everything happens for a reason! 🙂
      Here’s the link to all the stories in one: https://ghosthumanbones.com/category/honey-grim/
      Part 2 continues with Word Spell, then Placement Test then Talking to Myself. You can start at the bottom and work your way up.
      Thanks for reading, Devang!

      1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA

        I also love the name of your site. It’s unique and cool.
        I will read all your work.
        Also, if you can find some time from your busy schedule, please read my blogs. It will help me grow. I can improve a lot with your precious input.

      2. Kirsten

        Thank you so much! I love it too. It came to me from out of nowhere when I couldn’t decide on one single name, so I picked three. They all represent something deeper, but it is a secret.

        And definitely! I’m on your blog now. 🙂

      3. DEVANG UPADHYAYA

        It is very unique. I will remember this name. It gives sense of mystery and excitement.
        I still have to read a lot of your work. Please don’t mind the notifications.

      4. Kirsten

        Awesome! And I don’t mind the notifications at all. 🙂

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