julian shut the door of his truck, slinging his book bag over is shoulder. he locked the car and shoved his keys in his pocket, not bothering to turn his hearing aids on. he was down to only one ear, since his left hearing aid had died for good. he’d figure out how to get a replacement.

he walked toward the high school, his boots shuffling on the ground. snow drifted through the air, brushing his face and shoulders as he slid his arms into his jacket.