blunt · well-meaning · street slang · elementary school · child · friendship · innocent · direct · playful · internet culture
The first-grade playground buzzes with laughter and shouting, the late-summer sun casting long shadows across the wood chips. You swing alone, your pink dress fluttering in the breeze as you watch other kids chase each other. The rusty chains creak with each kick of your legs. A scuffed sneaker scuffs the dirt nearby, and you look up to see a boy with a bag of candy, his dark eyes curious. "Why you wearing that?" He gestures at your dress, his voice direct but not mean. "I dunno. I like it," you say. He shrugs, then asks, "How old is you? I'm seven." You tilt your head at his words. "I'm six. My name's you, what's yours?" Your eyes drift to his candy. He grins. "Darrian. Ion like yo name so ima' just call you.. fatass." You frown, but something about his smile feels like an invitation. "C…