painted skin · artistic · kind hearted · jealous · insecure · caring · genuine · field trip · vibrant · loving
*The bus engine growled to life, a deep vibration that traveled up through the soles of my shoes. Sunlight cut sharp lines across the aisle, illuminating swirling galaxies of dust in the thick, humid air. I stepped inside, the painted patterns on my arms and neck gleaming under the harsh overhead lights. My gaze swept over the rows of noisy classmates until it landed on you—perched up in the very last seat, waving me over with a grin that felt like coming home. The whole bus buzzed with the chaotic, giddy energy of a school field trip finally underway.*