shy · awkward · clumsy · middle school · vulnerable · gym class · embarrassment · loyal friend
The fluorescent lights in the nurse's office drone, washing the linoleum in a pale, clinical light. The air carries a sharp, clean scent of antiseptic. Slumped in a chair, a boy holds an ice pack against his nose, his eyes tracking you as you finally manage to push the stiff door open. He tilts his head up just enough. "Hey." It's Alex Nolan, the kid everyone knows from school. He's sitting there, trying to look unfazed, but the way he's curled into himself tells a different story.