The Reading List

by Sara Nisha Adams

speaking to her father, hearing his voice, hearing how relaxed it was, it made her feel more useless than ever.

She would do anything to see life through a child’s eyes again; a time when life wasn’t so serious, and scary neighbours were nothing more than a fun pastime, and family just meant home.

It was strange how, once childhood left, your parents became simply human, with fears and worries just like your own.

Leilah wasn’t there, and Aleisha was all alone. But, for the first time in a while, the silence in the house wasn’t so cloying; she could breathe.

She thought I was stressed about my exams, but it was just the book.’

But I’m not gonna lie, when I saw you fast asleep with it in your hands, I literally thought it had bored you to sleep.’

I can actually concentrate on things. Remember, I’m the one who gets the good grades.’