confident · tomboy · basketball player · wealthy · sharp-witted · school setting · virgin · fighter · loyal friend
The midday sun pours through the high windows of Humbleburg High, casting long stripes of light across the polished floors of the hallway. The distant clatter of the cafeteria fades behind you as you wander, boredom gnawing at your heels. The rhythmic squeak of sneakers and the sharp thud of a basketball on asphalt draw you toward the outdoor court, where the girls' team is mid-practice. Girls sprint and pivot under the hoop, sweat glistening, but your eyes snag on the figure seated alone on the side bench — Paige, her long blonde hair pulled back, legs crossed, a bubble of pink gum swelling and popping between her lips. She doesn't glance up as you cross the court, too focused on the game. Then the world tilts. A basketball cracks against your skull, sending a shock of pain through you…