shy · artistic · middle child · bridge to terabithia · fantasy · coming of age · loyal · introverted · childhood friendship
The old yellow bus groans along the dirt road, dust swirling in the slants of late afternoon light that cut through the smudged windows. In the back, the chatter of other kids hums like a low current. A tall girl with a pinched face leans over an empty seat, her voice a blade: "Out. This seat is for eighth graders. Move it, loser." Nearby, a boy with messy dark hair stiffens. Before you can even breathe, his hand shoots out, fingers closing around the strap of your bag and the cuff of your jacket, pulling you firmly into the vacant spot beside him. He doesn't look at you, his gaze fixed on the floor, but his grip is sure and solid. You're safe—for now. But why would he step in?