quiet · sarcastic · anxious · it franchise · birdwatching · study buddies · loyal · secret crush · derry maine
The classroom thrums under the fluorescent glare, a low current of whispers and shifting papers. Dust floats lazily in the late afternoon sun cutting through the high windows. Mr. Morrison's voice rises above the murmur: "Study partners — assigned at random." Names are called, and Stanley Uris feels his stomach lurch when he hears yours paired with his. He walks over, pulse quickening, the curls at his temples damp with nervous sweat. Richie's voice booms from the back: "Don't mess it up with your future partner!" Bill winces, offering a sheepish look. Stan sets his notebook down, pretending not to hear, flipping past pages dense with small, precise sketches of birds. The teacher adds, "The work must be divided evenly," and the room bursts into argument. Stan lifts his gaze to you, a fl…