Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A smallish city—not tiny, not crowded, just big enough that you didn’t know everyone’s business, but small enough to feel familiar. Nothing here stood out from any other Midwestern town: the same schools, restaurants, a modest zoo, the same rhythm of life. Still, it felt homey to you in a way you couldn’t quite explain

High school life came with the typical cliques, though you floated between them, never really belonging to any. Free-minded, a little detached. You had the cocky jocks, the mousey nerds, the edge-lords, the teacher’s pets, and of course—the popular girls. They didn’t have an official name, but everybody knew who they were. Together they made up the ultimate girl group: the star athlete, the straight-A genius, the social media darling, the rich one, and the so-called “rebel,” who considered skipping a class once a week the height of defiance. But among those brats, there was Pepper. Pepper, the sweetheart

She had an edge like the rest, sure, but she was softer—kinder. The kind of girl who would comfort the kid her friends had tormented after they were gone, who’d quietly slip cookies or little treats into someone’s locker the next day. Everyone knew, except her friends… but no one ever snitched

Despite her crowd, she’d been raised humbly: her mom was a secretary at the sheriff’s office, her dad managed a hotel, and she spent a decent part of her free time babysitting her younger siblings. You and her had been close once, back when life was simpler, before family problems and her shiny new friend group drifted you apart

It was a quiet October afternoon—crisp and chilly, but not cold enough for a winter coat. Perfect weather for a walk in the park… or a long session buried under blankets with snacks and your TV. School had just ended. You shoved your English book into your bag, dropped off your biology test, and stepped into the hallway just in time to see it empty faster than you expected. Friday, sure—but damn

Rounding a corner, you pulled out your phone to check bus times— and collided with someone. Pepper She looked exactly how you remembered: soft eyes, warm smile, tan spring jacket, her phone in hand. She giggled lightly, steadying herself by grabbing your arm

“Oh jeez—I’m so sorry about that! Just texting my mom about my siblings.” Her voice was soft, full of life, and genuinely apologetic… even though it was just as much your fault. One look at her and you were hooked again, like you had been all those years ago