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“Yeah, it’s ood and sudsy “I’”

“Tellunits—today was ridiculous” Her voice comes from the stall beside me, and I hear the water turn on, shower curtain pulled back, its plastic liner dragging against the tile floor because it’s too long Whoever installed it wasn’t focused on accuracy—only getting the job done

My storowls

Guess that burger earlier didn’t fillit would

“I’hts “I ate ot here”

“We could order so”

“True”

It’s quiet for so ourselves, and while it’s void of conversation, I step co the hot strea the wall; water washes throughit so it falls halfway down my back in a sheet

Ugh this feels so good

Body aches

Muscles hurt

Brain tired

“I can’t wait until this season is over,”her water off, followed by the sound of the towel being yanked off the shower bar The slap of her rubber flip-flops against the floor

“Sah to , but deep down inside, we both know I’m not It’s no secret between Kaylee and me that my mother pushed me into this sport—unlike hers, who couldn’t care less if she’s on a team

“Let’s just watch ht and order pizza We’ve earned it”

“Deal”

I stay in the shower, basking in the steaet drenched Lettingmy worries wash down the drain

Dress quickly in joggers and a hoodie

Slide into broken-in Converse

Hair wet

Backpack on

I come up short when I shove the door to the woainst the opposite wall

Kyle leans there, one long leg bent, heel of one chunky black coainst the cement cinder block

He stands up straight when he sees me, full attention

I glance up the hall and down the hall Is he here to see me?

I’ood reason; he’s a gaslighting liar and I want nothing to do with him

“Hey”