Sydney
“Did you see Dean’s face?”
“Forget Dean. Did you see how angry his uncle was? I heard he threatened to sue the principal.”
“I heard the fight was about money.”
“No way.” Another voice said. “Probably basketball.”
“Dean insulted Tyler’s Mom.”
“Heard Chirag say it’s about a girl.”
Every whisper felt like a needle sliding beneath my skin.
I tightened my grip on my food tray, forcing my eyes down on the red and yellow thing on my plate which they’d newly added to the menu.
Like if I focused harder, the day would reset itself.
The cafeteria was quieter than normal that afternoon.
Not silent. Just…wrong.
Like the walls were holding their breath.
And for the teachers, it felt like the students were finally exercising their table manners.
But I knew. I noticed.
The main so
