Everyone’s heads hung low, each step heavier than the last. I adjusted my backpack strap, keeping my gaze firmly on the floor to avoid the towering football players who might slam me into the nearest locker if I didn’t.

I continued walking straight ahead, taking the longer route to class just to see her. In this gloomy, broken town, she was the sun. The brightest star to shine here. She was the birds chirping in the morning, the rain after a drought, the wave of calm after a panic—she was everything. My everything.

“Hi, Ethan,” she smiled. I froze. I did not expect an angel to acknowledge my existence today, nor was I prepared for it. “Hi—um…” NOT COOL ETHAN, SOUND COOL. I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans. “…Hey,” I correct. Better, now, talk to her! “How is—how is your—“ I stammer, Adrienne turned the corner, not having heard my failed attempt at words.

Dammit, Ethan. I headed to biology class, the clouds once surrounding my mind slowly covering the sunshine once again.