Mutou Has A Smoke Break

5:3

Grading tests is something I usually enjoy doing, but, with the days getting shorter and my finding myself staying until after dark on most evenings, I've grown weary of the monotony. At this time every night, I find myself headed out to the school roof, cigarettes in hand; if I were a man of faith, I might call this a ritual.

Cool night air rolls across the rooftop on a gentle November breeze as I step out onto the gravel-laden rooftop. Nightfall comes earlier and earlier this time of year, but that isn't about to stop me from spending ten minutes in nicotine bliss. Actually, with the city lights so far away, I ought to bring my telescope out here some nights; the view is fantastic.

This evening, however, I'm not expecting the door to open as I light my first cigarette. The students usually don't come up here this late at night, so I'm hardly surprised to see Miss Miyagi huddling under her sweater as she steps out into the moonlight.

Standing as I am, shadowed under the edge of the building, I don't think she can see me apart from the burning red tip of my cigarette. Lifting it to take another drag, I see her jump slightly and let out a nervous laugh.

"Akio, you scared me!" she scolds, offering a delightfully curled lip instead of a pointed finger; she's not used to the cold.

"Sorry," I reply, stepping out from beneath the shadow. "Out for a walk?" I inquire, looking her over, "usually don't see you up here."

"Needed some air," she replies, "you wouldn't believe some of the things my students write in their essays."

"Oh, I think I'd believe it," I retort with a cheerful laugh.

"Any chance I could steal one of those?" she asks, lofting a hand to indicate my cigarette.

"You don't smoke."

"Not anymore."

"I shouldn't get you started again."

"Just give me one!" her tone shifts from slightly annoyed to curt, "I need to relax!"

"Okay, okay," I reply, shaking my head as I delve into my pack.

Taking the cigarette from my hand, she leans against the wall and sighs, "Sorry, it's not you," she scoffs, "it's those damn kids! I swear they're trying to give me a coronary!"

"Calm down," I advise, "here."

Cupping the end with my hand, I flick my lighter and hold it for her to catch a light. Taking a long drag, she doesn't even cough at all as she breathes it in and slowly blows out a stream of smoke into the wind. Huddling her arms again, she closes her eyes and falls silent.

Leaning back against the wall, I take another drag and stare up at the star-field. Miyagi stays for a few minutes longer, then stomps the cigarette out and heads for the door. Watching her go, I wonder if I may have inadvertently caused her to start smoking again, but it's hardly my place to judge her.

I really should quit...