It's just past midnight and I've been staring at the same spot on my bedroom floor for what feels like forever. Frank's yelling again — drunk and loud, as usual. I can hear every word through the thin walls. He's going off on my mom.
Whole building probably hears him.
We moved here 2 yrs ago when Frank decided he was a "gen z" Traded peace and quiet for noisy streets and a noisy apartment.
I try tuning it out, but then he says my name and I just... roll my eyes. Mom used to defend me, but now she stays quiet. Can't blame her — it's safer that way.
Normally, I'd put in earbuds, but I feel too restless. It's my last week of senior year anyway. What's one night without sleep?
---
I slide out of bed, throw on sandals, and crack my window open. Cold air hits me, feels good. I hop down, land in the grass, and close the window behind me.
Just as I breathe in, trying to relax... I hear a car engine. Look up — it's sam Yeah, the cute next-door guy . Sitting in his car, arm on the window, looking way too chill.
Of course, he sees me. And now I feel dumb lol. He smirks and goes, "Isn't it a little late to be sneaking out? It *is* a school night, you know."
I blush. "So what? You a cop?" I step a bit closer.
Then he asks, "Where are you headed?"
I shrug. "Anywhere but here."
And he totally gets it. Living next to Frank... he knows exactly what I mean.
Sure! Here's this scene rewritten in *casual text message/story format*, like you'd send it to a friend:
---
He holds up a joint and goes, "Wanna hit it? Relax a bit?"
I laugh awkwardly, "Nah, I'm not that cool."
Yeah. That lame. I can't believe I said that. 😩
He just shrugs like it's nothing. I don't even give him a chance to reply before waving him off. "Well… see ya."
As I walk past his car, I can *feel* his eyes on me. I'm like — please don't trip, please don't trip.
My hand's in my pocket, and I find this crumpled $5 bill I forgot was there. Guess I'll head to the mini-mart down the street. Maybe grab a bottle of water, then crash for the night.
I look up at the sky as I walk. No stars. Typical city sky.
---
I get to the mini-mart and the door creaks when I open it. That little bell above the door jingles way too loudly. Clerk doesn't even care — barely looks up from her phone.
I go straight to the cooler in the back. Grab a water.
Then suddenly... this weird weight hits me in the chest. Like something heavy just *settled* there. My steps slow.
I try to shake it off and keep walking — just need to pay and leave.
But before I even take another step—
*BANG.*
The door SLAMS behind me.
The bell screams.