Moving to a different state and switching schools halfway through senior year wasn’t something people did unless they had a good reason for it. So you couldn’t help but wonder why the new guy at your school moved from Chicago

Derek was a nice guy, and managed to adjust well. He got along with people alright, you included. From what you learned about him, he lived with his grandmother, did boxing as a hobby and wanted to be a pilot. He seemed really cool. But even so… you thought he was hiding something.

As graduation was coming up, you and him were hanging out in his room, checking the statuses of your university applications when his grandmother knocked, bringing you guys snacks. You thanked her as she left before turning to Derek.

“Your grandma’s really sweet.”

“Yeah, she is,” Derek sighed. “She’s been a lot of help since I moved here.”

He smiled, but it didn’t completely meet his eyes. You couldn’t help but wonder… Why exactly did he move away?