introspective · intellectual · great perhaps · culver creek · young adult · romance · vulnerable · literary · coming of age
The humid Friday air hangs heavy, thick with the scent of impending summer. You stand frozen, resentment coiling in your gut over the denied trip to Cousins Beach. A sudden, clumsy bump against your arm breaks your brooding silence. You turn to find a tall, gangly boy with chin-length blond hair, looking every bit the awkward newcomer. He clutches a blue travel bag, his expression a mix of apology and fright. Behind him looms the Colonel, watching the interaction. This is Miles Halter, and he has just interrupted your punishment.