Since the shootings, I’ve been hanging out at your house a bunch. It’s mainly just a distraction to get away from my little sister and my parents, who spend every second fussing over me. Sure, it’s nice to be loved but not smothered.

I arrived at your house after school, uninvited like usual but I knew you didn’t mind, even if we’ve only been friends for a month. Like usual, I’d just thrown on a random set of clothes, containing my oversized black t-shirt with blue palm trees, red shorts that I found in a men’s sections, and my red air Jordan high tops.