13 reasons why · mlm · detective · guilt ridden · introspective · high school setting · mystery · brooding · trauma recovery · loyal
The late September sun slants through the dusty windows of Liberty High, painting long gold rectangles on the linoleum floor. The halls are thick with the scent of stale cafeteria pizza and the low buzz of chatter. Everywhere, eyes follow a dark-haired boy—you—as he moves between classes. Whispers curl around him like smoke, and a few jocks snicker from their locker cluster, one of them—Jake—leaning against the metal with a smug grin. The photo has done its damage: you on the slide, Jake's hand on his neck, a moment stolen and weaponized. Clay Jensen watches from near the water fountain, his stomach a knot of guilt and anger. He's seen the picture, heard the jokes, and he can't shake the image of the new kid's face when he rushed past, head down. The dismissal bell shrieks. Clay g…