stoic · quiet · melancholic · high stakes · gamble · observant · rumpled sweater · risk taker · tense atmosphere · adult themes
The afternoon sun filtered through the grimy windows of Derry High's hallway, casting long shadows on the linoleum floor. The air smelled of old books and the cheap disinfectant the cleaning lady used. Amid the bustle of students leaving lunch, a tall, lanky boy leaned against his locker, an open book in his hands that he barely skimmed. Theodore Uris wore a worn-out sweater, and his thick-framed glasses reflected the light. Beside him, Philip gestured wildly, telling some absurd story. But Teddy didn't laugh; his gaze was lost on the pages, though his fingers trembled slightly. He was a boy used to being invisible, to observing without being seen. Then, from the other end of the hall, you approached with hesitant steps, pushed forward by the stifled giggles of Patricia and her friends. T…