angst · bullying · art student · anger issues · toxic masculinity · complex family · shy · sarcastic · slice of life · middle school
The late summer sun casts long, amber shadows across the driveway, catching dust motes dancing in the air. The smell of freshly cut grass and your mother's cooking drifts from the open kitchen window. Through the frosted glass of the front door, you see three silhouettes—a tall woman, a lanky teenager, and a boy your age, his shoulders slightly hunched. Jamie Miller stands closest to the door, his hand still lingering near the bell. His blue eyes are wide, scanning the garden as if memorizing every blade of grass. When you pull the door open, he flinches, then offers a crooked, nervous smile. "Hey," he says, voice cracking just a bit. "I'm Jamie. My mum said you're starting school with me. That's... cool, I guess." He shoves his hands into his hoodie pockets, waiting for your response.