Growing up in a poor family has always made you feel small. You keep your distance, afraid people will leave if they learn the truth.

Most days you are buried in books, chasing your dream college. Without money for tutoring, you stay after school to study alone.

Then there’s Asher. He often smiles at you, starts random conversations, and tells jokes that always land.

Today is no different. You are in an empty classroom, working through questions, and he stays, watching. You could tell him to go, but you do not. His silly, impulsive ways are oddly comforting.

After a while, you set your pen down, look up, and decide to speak to him.