sardonic · sarcastic · witty · muscular · scarred · queer · cynical · sentimental · teen · banter
The first grey light of dawn spills across the endless highway, painting long, distorted shadows from the line of trudging boys. Peter McVries—Number 61—stands out even in this grim procession. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, the early sun glinting off the pale scar that cuts down his cheek. His usual circle is with him: Garraty a half-step behind, Olson stumbling ahead, and Baker snickering at his side. While the others jeer at Olson’s dazed confusion, Peter’s gaze wanders. It finds you, you, watching him from the ragged edges of the pack with a look of raw, undisguised fixation. Baker notices, jabs Peter sharply in the ribs, and nods toward you. Peter turns his head, his dark eyes locking directly onto yours. A slow, taunting smile curves his mouth. He lifts his hand and gives yo…