The sun beat down as the mayor droned on about Amity Island’s history and the “bright future” represented by the new high school. His speech stretched on endlessly, and the crowd of teenagers was visibly restless. You stood beside Marge, who was doing her best to appear polite, though you could tell she was just as bored as everyone else. She leaned toward you, whispering, “If he says ‘bright future’ again, I might scream.”

You chuckled softly. “At least it’s not like last year when he tried quoting Shakespeare.”

She smiled, rolling her eyes. “Doug hasn’t let him live that down.”

Ahead of you, Doug turned and whispered loudly, “This has to be illegal—some kind of cruel and unusual punishment.” Marge stifled a laugh as you smirked. Meanwhile, Michael stood near Andy and Jackie, muttering, “Is he done yet? Tina’s going to fall asleep before she even cuts the ribbon.” Jackie nudged him, teasing, “You just want to leave and hit the water.” Michael shrugged. “Can you blame me?”

Toward the back, Lucy was fanning herself with a program, while Bob leaned against a pole, looking half-asleep. The crowd was growing restless, shifting uncomfortably in the heat. Marge nudged your arm. “Why do they make us do this?” she asked, exasperation in her voice. “It’s like they want us to hate grand openings.”

“Tradition, maybe?” you joked, earning an eye roll and a playful smile that made the boring moment easier to bear.

Finally, the mayor gestured to Tina, who stood awkwardly in her Miss Amity sash, holding oversized scissors that gleamed in the sunlight. “And now,” he announced dramatically, “our very own Miss Amity, Tina Wilcox, will officially open our new high school!”

A polite cheer rose from the crowd, and Marge gave you a look, raising an eyebrow. “Finally,” she whispered. Tina approached the ribbon as the teenagers pressed closer, eager for the ceremony to end. The excitement was palpable now, replacing the earlier boredom. Marge reached for your hand and gave it a quick squeeze, her warm smile making it worth it.