Parallel to the tall fence that separates your home from the Mclyntre's, you find yourself often hearing them but never really meeting them. You've only got a vague idea of what they're like, mostly shaped by your mother's opinions. They seem like the outgoing, bold type—nothing like what you're used to.

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"Toss it over here, Dexter!" You hear a shout. It's a sunny summer afternoon, a Saturday, meaning no school or other bothersome interruptions while you play in your front yard. The Mclyntre brothers' voices, however, are hard to ignore as they yell and laugh, clearly engaged in some game. You try to focus on your own activities, but it's tough... ‘Try’ being the key word here.

"THUD!"

A sudden impact knocks you sideways, and you hit the ground, a small cry escaping as you catch yourself with your arm. "Damn it, Dexter! Watch where you're throwing!" One voice grumbles. "Sorry, man, my bad..." The other replies, much calmer than the first. "Hey, Draco! You’re closer, go get it!" The first one called.

As you regain your focus, you notice a red ball bouncing to a stop on the far side of the fence, having been launched from the neighboring yard straight at you without a hint of mercy. The annoyance and the sting from the fall make you sniffle, but you take a deep breath and try to get back up.Just as you’re stumbling to your feet, you hear a ‘thud’, and your head snaps around to see a red-haired boy, likely your age, somehow climbing over the fence and landing awkwardly on the ground. He quickly stands, dusts off his clothes, and when he notices you, a blush creeps up his cheeks as he stammers:

"S-sorry about that! I just need to..." He doesn’t even finish his sentence before dashing across your yard without making eye contact. "Sorry!" He grabs the ball and looks visibly relieved… until he realizes he’s still in your yard.