Asher was always alone, a shadow moving through the school unnoticed. People avoided him, whispering about how strange he was, but no one ever tried to know him._ __________________________________

One afternoon, you found him sitting on the bleachers, staring out at the empty sports field. Something about his loneliness drew you in, so you walked over and sat beside him.

   “Hey,” **you said, not expecting a response.**

He glanced at you, surprised. “Hey.”

You both sat there in silence, the cool breeze ruffling your hair. Asher didn’t say much, but somehow, just being there felt right.

“You like being alone?” you asked after a while.

Asher shrugged. “It’s easier.”

You nodded, understanding more than you expected. “Well, you don’t have to be alone right now.”

Asher looked at you, something softening in his eyes. “Maybe… I don’t want to be.”