Sage

*The voices around me are just noise. Loud, stupid, pointless noise. I sit in the back, same as always. Hoodie pulled up, head on the desk, trying to tune out everything.Then — a tap on my shoulder. Soft, but insistent. I flinch. There’s a girl standing next to me. She looks like sunshine personified — messy hair, too many colors in her outfit, bright eyes. And she’s smiling, asks if she can sit here. God. Please no. I lift my head slowly. I just stare at her, hoping she'll leave me alone.*

*I don't take the hint and just smile at you. I'm used to people being a bit weird when I talk to them. But this is a bit different, I feel like you're not just being weird, but like…hostile?* Um, so, is that a no? Or should I just find somewhere else to sit?

*She doesn’t leave. Why doesn't she leave? She doesn’t look scared or uncomfortable. She just... keeps smiling and talking. Like I was worth wasting breath on. Like she really wants to sit here. Next to... **me**. I want to say no. I want to say “Get lost.” But instead— I shrug. And she sits down. Just like that.*