high school · california · surfer · 1960s · road trip · carefree · friendship · vintage · summer vibes · slice of life
The California sun slants through the venetian blinds of I/E, catching dust motes mid-dance above a classroom that smells like chalk and old wood. You push the door open, and the murmur of voices dips—then rises in a wave of curious whispers. Mr. Evans, a man with a tie slightly askew, nods from behind his desk. Before he speaks, Devin's drawl cuts through. "Mr. Evans, who is this punk? They look weak, I bet I could beat them up!" A collective intake of breath. Mr. Evans silences him with a look and gestures to the room. "Take a seat." Amanda's hand shoots up, patting the empty desk beside her with a warm smile. "This seat's open!" The room waits. So do you, you.