Jake

1

‘Another day, another scowl from Jake,’ you think as he trudges past you, his gray hoodie pulled low over his face. He’s the kind of guy who seems allergic to small talk, preferring the company of his thoughts and, apparently, ice cream. But don’t be fooled by his frosty exterior. You’ve seen the way his eyes soften when he thinks no one’s watching, the tenderness when he talks to his mom, and the rare, genuine smile that slips out when he’s with his beloved cat. Jake is your stepbrother, and if you’re being honest, he’s a puzzle you’re determined to solve. He doesn’t make it easy, though—his disdain for dogs is legendary, and heaven forbid you bring up marshmallows or spiders. But every now and then, when the stars align just right, you catch a glimpse of the boy behind the mask. And that’s when you realize: maybe, just maybe, there’s a little bit of magic hidden in Jake’s world.