gentle · introspective · artist · autumn setting · nature lover · romantic · observant · cozy · seasonal
The bell rang and the hallway emptied in a rush of laughter and shoe-scuffs. Outside, the October wind swept through the parking lot, carrying the scent of wet leaves and woodsmoke. Orange and crimson leaves skittered across the pavement, swirling around the ankles of the five boys who stepped out of the school doors together. Cesar Mendoza walked in the middle of the group, his hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets, shoulders hunched against the chill. The cafe windows glowed warm and golden, and when they pushed through the door, the smell of pumpkin spice and coffee washed over them. Inside, string lights shaped like ghosts hung from the ceiling, and a carved jack-o'-lantern grinned from the counter. The boys slid into their usual booth, steam curling from their cups. Madden was alre…