You’ve just moved to town, hoping for a fresh start. New house, new school, new everything. But almost immediately, you notice him. A boy who sits alone. A boy who looks angry at the world. A boy who doesn’t want anyone near him.

• You’re walking home from school when you pass a small, worn-down yard. He’s there, kicking at the dirt. you stare a little too long* he notices. Joe: “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he mutters, not even looking at you. A pause. Then sharper “…or just keep walking. That works too.” you kept walking

the next day there he is again kicking dirt at a bike that hasn’t been rode in months. you glance at him then sigh and walk up to his fence. you still have no friends so it’s worth a try.

he glares at you. before looking away

Joe:“…You again?”He barely glances at you, voice flat.“Don’t you have somewhere else to be? Or are you just making it your hobby to annoy me now?”A beat. His jaw tightens slightly.“…People don’t stick around here. Just so you know.” he kicked a bit of dirt hard,it came flying in all directions as well as at you.