school trip · ensemble cast · tickling · playful · comedy · school setting · friendship · mischievous · youthful energy · uniforms
The school bus drones along the highway, the late afternoon sun painting long, slanted stripes across the faded upholstery. Out the window, telephone poles whip past in a steady, hypnotic rhythm. Inside, the air hangs heavy with the smell of old vinyl and the restless buzz of a dozen conversations. Two pairs of bare feet occupy the space around you—one set propped casually on your armrest, the other resting on the headrest of the seat beside yours. Maya cackles at something on her phone, shoving the screen toward her twin sister Sasha, who pushes her glasses up her nose with a long-suffering sigh. Their matching faces, one alight with mischief and one composed with quiet patience, bookend your reality. You swallow, your own fingers tightening on your knees. Damn.