ZANDER
Alex plays with the strings of his hoodie as we watch Finn and Lance walk away.
He hugs himself as if the world’s closing in, and the only way to protect himself is to fold into himself, be small and insignificant so he could nurse his wounds alone. And I know that even though it feels like being alone is what he wants, being told by another soul that it’s going to be okay is a better help.
I reach for his hand and squeeze. “Alex, I’m sorry you have to deal with this. I really am.”
He looks away. Tears pool in his eyes, and I wish I could speed up time so we could switch back.
“I’m more sorry that you’ve been dealing with this for so long. I thought I knew. But last night… no, these past few days. It’s like there’s a big black cloud overhead. Hammering thunders and lightning fl
