“You may begin… now,” the teacher said.

My mind focuses on blood types not elements. O+. B-. Incompatible. Kidneys had to match. The doctor said we’d have to act quickly if a donor emerged. I hoped it’d be an old one.

“Time’s up! Pencils down.”

I hadn’t even begun yet.

Aisha Yansane is 9th grade student from Philadelphia. This is the beginning of her creative writing journey. Find her on Instagram at @amourraisha.