Class ended seemingly just as fast as it began. Artifex felt that he had just sat down when the bell for second block rang. He blinked owlishly, a bit sluggish, but did manage to gather his senses and grab his belongings just as the other students walked out.

Rainbow was gracious enough to lend him a hand, though he was quick to wave her away. He didn’t need her help holding his backpack; besides, there weren’t too many items in there anyway. Hefting both his backpack and his gym bag over his shoulder, he stood back up.

“C’mon,” Rainbow said, “we don’t want to be late for gym.”

He glanced at the clock. The gym wasn’t too far; there was little chance of being late. Nonetheless, he nodded his agreement, and together he and Rainbow headed for the door.

“Hold on, you two.”

“Hmm?” Rainbow intoned. She turned, while Artifex did not. “What’s up, Mr. Solil? Is it about the quote project?”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Well, we kinda have to get going. Can’t it wait ‘till next class?”

“I know, Rainbow. But, please. This is important. Artifex, could you please turn around?”

Seeing no other option, the boy wearily did so, facing Mr. Solil with a collected face. Wordlessly, he nodded for the teacher to continue.

But Mr. Solil said nothing—at first. He regarded Artifex with a careful gaze, hiding whatever emotions might have been brewing underneath. Artifex noted, with slight intrigue, that his hand tapped against his desk, while the other hand, lying on his leg, ever so slightly quivered. His eyes glanced back at the teacher’s face; Mr. Solil’s jaw was clenched, and his eyes seemed locked completely on Artifex.

Why wasn’t he saying anything? His throat bobbed like he was testing out a silent word. His gaze suddenly turned away; and then, after a second, went back to Artifex. The two stared at each other in resolute silence, while Rainbow watched, both confused and worried.

“Uh… guys?” she asked. “Are you… uh… should I go on alone?”

They gave no answer. Rainbow hesitated, then shook her head. “Well, it was only a suggestion…”

Artifex waited a little longer. Then, a little longer again. Finally, he gave up. Exhaling out of his nose, he shifted a little onto his right side, carefully avoiding his limp.

“Artifex.”

He stopped moving, and replayed Mr. Solil’s voice in his head. Was it his imagination, or did he sound… tired? Weary, even, like Artifex’s weariness? He turned back around, looking at the older man with new, subdued interest.

The man appeared to hesitate. He flinched under Artifex’s gaze, but returned back to normal seating position. He seemed to be contemplating his next words.

Finally, he raised his head and asked, “Are you alright?”

Artifex blinked again. Had he heard him right? Did he really just ask that?

“Yes,” answered the boy. Unintentionally, he sounded uncertain.

The teacher waited for a moment. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Mr. Solil, I’m sure.”

They resumed their odd staring contest. Rainbow grew more uncomfortable, shifting her weight on both of her feet. The clock ticked on and on.

Mr. Solil then leaned back into his chair. “Artifex, if you need anything—anything at all; yes, I’m serious—please, let me know, alright?”

Artifex said nothing. The clock ticked on.

Something in the back of his mind told him that there was more going on than what he was seeing. It was the way Mr. Solil spoke, as if having some extended authority. It was the way he acted, nervous yet knowledgeable, weary yet willing. It was the way the older man stared at Artifex like he was staring at something else, perhaps through something else.

Another corner of red appeared. It receded just as quickly as it came.

Artifex forced a smile. It was small, slight. There was an obvious strain. He hoped it looked at least a bit genuine.

“I’ll be fine, Mr. Solil,” he said with that weirdly-shaped smile. “I promise."

Then, before the other man could speak, Artifex walked out of the classroom.

“No offense, Mr. Solil,” Rainbow said, “but that was a little weird.” She hoisted her bags. “Now, if you excuse me, I have to get going. Bye!”

Just as she reached the door, though, she heard Mr. Solil say, “I know.”

“Huh?” She whirled around. “What do you mean, ‘you know?’”

He suddenly appeared more tired than he previously had. “I mean that I know what happened. To Artifex, I mean.”

Rainbow started. “Wha—then that means—”

Mr. Solil nodded grimly. “The truck. The accident. Ruby. I know what happened then, and I know what happened after."

Rainbow felt cold. “Then… you know—”

“The scars.” He looked away. “I should have known sooner. But that’s beside the point.” He looked back at her. “Rainbow, I know that you and Artifex are good friends. Perhaps really good friends, I might add.”

She blushed. “We’re just friends!”

“Right. Anyway, I want you to know that—” He sucked in a breath. “That I want to help him. I want to help him as much as you want to help him; as much as you and your friends want to help.”

“Really?” A delighted smile grew on her face. “That’s awesome! We could use any support we can get!” Then the smile waned. “But, um… if I could ask; why do you want to help?”

Mr. Solil visibly hesitated, and Rainbow blushed in embarrassment. “W-well, I mean, you don’t have to tell me why exactly. I mean, it’s great that you want to help and all. Right? That’s what matters the most.”

“No, it’s fine.” He nodded, curt and short. “I guess you would be curious as to why I, all of a sudden, want to help. The truth is…”

He trailed off. “The truth is…”

Rainbow glanced at the clock. “Um, could you make it quick? I’ve got only a few more minutes until gym starts.”

“Right, right, sorry.” He breathed in, then out. “The truth is… I have some… personal experience in these kinds of things.”

“Personal? What do you mean?”

Mr. Solil carefully raised his left arm, and pulled back the sleeve. Rainbow gasped. There was a visible scar that stretched across the wrist. Then, just as quickly, he covered it back up again, and lowered his arm.

“That’s why,” he simply said.

Rainbow nodded, at a loss for words. Mr. Solil frowned. “That wasn’t too uncomfortable, was it?”

“No, it—” She stopped herself, gathering her thoughts. “It’s fine, Mr. Solil. I get it. It’s nice that you want to help out and all. Really.”

“Thank you,” he said. “But, could you keep this between us? I wouldn’t want to start any rumors of any sort.”

She offered him a grin. “No problem, man! You can count on me!” She turned. “Now, I better get going. Gym starts in just under two minutes, but if I can get there under one...”

She was out the door in seemingly but a second. Mr. Solil watched it creak and sway. “Have fun, Rainbow,” he whispered, “and may we find a way to help Artifex soon.”

Soon, the bell rang, and second block started.