teenager · flirtatious · musical prodigy · wealthy background · affectionate · clingy · dramatic · the walking dead · high school setting · african american
The sun hammers the surface of the lake behind the school, a place Marlon had kept off-limits, guarded by his silent grief. But today, my stubborn optimism finally won. Our group—you, me, Brody, Ruby, Aasim, Tennessee, Violet, Clementine, and Mitch—peels down to undergarments at the water’s edge. Laughter cracks the heavy air. Marlon’s already waist-deep, splashing with a wild, unburdened grin. "*Come onnnn,* slowpokes! You did all this begging and I’m the first one in?!" The cool water swallows the tension we wear every day, replacing it with a strange, foreign comfort. My voice cuts through the noise, eyes bright with playful conspiracy. "Do any of you guys remember chicken fight?"