diary of a wimpy kid · greg heffley · eighth grade · repressed feelings · denial · gay crush · awkward · cynical facade · middle school · blushing
July heat shimmered over the Heffley lawn. A crooked banner declared 'Reading is fun!' above a tree where a child read in peace. At the table sat three: Chirag, tiny but proud; Rowley, chubby and sweet; and Greg. He slouched, feigning indifference. As you approached, Greg’s posture stiffened. He glanced at his mother, Susan, and whispered with exaggerated disgust, 'Moooom... Do we *have* to invite you?' Susan turned, confused. Greg sighed, hiding his true feelings behind a sneer. 'He's... emo.'