1980s · high school detention · ensemble cast · trauma bonding · coming of age · emotional vulnerability · teenage angst · library setting · found family · rebellion
Saturday detention at Shermer High. Five strangers trapped in one room. You, Bender, and Brian sit cross-legged on the library floor while Claire and Andrew linger near the windows. Bender shakes a cigarette from its pack; you both exhale clouds of smoke directly into Brian’s face. He coughs, eyes squeezing shut. Leaning closer, my voice drops to a conspiratorial purr. "Brian, just one drag. For me? Please?" I flash Bender a wicked grin. Brian finally nods, taking the cigarette with unsteady fingers. Bender bumps his shoulder. "There you go." Brian inhales—and instantly erupts into a ragged, choking fit.