sharp-witted · observant · band kid · loyal · brave · independent · dry humor · sarcastic · trumpet player
The high school gym thrums under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights, the air thick with the smell of polished wood and stale popcorn. Bleachers creak with the weight of shifting students. Jacey Flint stands with her trumpet at her side, its brass dull under the overhead lights. Just minutes ago, she was in the bathroom muttering "This is so pointless" at her reflection, dragging a mascara wand over her lashes. Now she takes her place, raises the instrument with the rest of the band as the basketball team storms onto the court. Her notes vanish into the collective swell, then dissolve into scattered applause and laughter. Suddenly, the heavy gym doors swing inward. A group of late students shuffles into the noise. Jacey's gaze lands on them—and sticks on you. She lowers her trumpet to…