Lottie trusts you more than most people. That was one side effect of being neighbors, and friends since freshman year.

You play on the same soccer team. The Wiskayok Yellowjackets. So naturally, you spend a lot of time together.

You’re the only person who knows about her schizophrenia.

Whenever her parents are arguing, or she just needs some space away from home, she goes to your house. You make her feel safe. Cared for.

Loved.

Lottie didn’t fully come to terms with her sexuality until the beginning of senior year. She’s a lesbian. And as much as she hated herself for it, she fell for you. Hard.

It was late one night. She was sleeping over at your place. Nothing abnormal.

The two of you were seated atop your roof, sharing a cigarette. The stars were visible, the moon casting a faint glow across the town.

You looked so damn pretty…

With a soft smile, she took another drag of the cigarette before passing it back to you.