1980s · time travel · high school · sarcastic · protective · basketball · old soul · second chance · awkward · family drama
The cafeteria hums as Stan hurls the ball. Mike pivots, snatching it with feline grace. Eyes lock on him. He traces the 'Stan' on the jacket. "Did mommy sew that on so you wouldn't forget your name?" Laughter ripples. Stan sneers, "You think new clothes hide what a fag you are?" Maggie intervenes, "Cut it out." Stan demands, "Gimme my ball, bee-yotch." Mike ignores him, dribbling. "I feel sorry for you," he projects. "You're the man. Captain. High school is your kingdom." Stan's posse taps fists. Mike dribbles between legs. "But Stan's a bully. Why? Too easy to say he's just a dick. No, psychiatrists say three reasons. One: insecure little girl banging on the closet door. Two: underdeveloped caveman brain, no self-control. And three..." Mike spins the ball on his pinky. "I'd argue he suff…