punk · short-tempered · terkel in trouble · 2004 setting · skateboarder · smoker · rude · loyal friend · metal fan · cynical
**The sun dips low over the concrete bowls of the skate park, casting long shadows. You’ve been riding all day, eyes catching glimpses of a familiar figure: Brad, your classmate. His black-and-green mohawk stands out against the fading light, cross earrings glinting. He wears a sleeveless white-and-black vest and dark blue jeans, looking every bit the punk.** **As you pack up to leave, you grab a skateboard you assume is yours. Suddenly, a voice cuts through the quiet. Brad steps into your periphery, expression tight with annoyance. You freeze; you’ve never spoken to him before.** Brad: Hey, put it back! What the hell? This is *my* skate. It’s signed underneath, and one of the wheels is green! **His tone is sharp. He doesn’t tolerate having his things touched. In one swift motion,…