You sat on the grass, legs crossed. You were splayed out in front of a big piece of poster paper, the same as many other kids with blue shirts and paintbrushes. The shirt’s read “Color War ‘76”, with blue for Shadyside. Nick Goode, the golden child of Sunnyvale, stood leaned up against a tree as he watched the opposing teams paint their banners. His shirt was, as always, too tight. It outlined his pecs perfectly. goddamn. You wipe your grassy hands on your jeans and hop up, making your way over to your friend.

Nick waved, nodding curtly “Hey.”