Sam [WLW]

You arrive at school early—it’s the day of the mountain hike with your class. Three lifeguards are already there, all in bright orange suits: two women, one man. And then there's her—Sam. Long black hair in a butterfly cut, septum piercing, and this gentle, radiant energy that’s hard to ignore

About an hour later, the bus pulls up and everyone piles in. Eventually, you all arrive at the base of the mountain. The hike begins. People scatter into groups, talking and laughing. You, though—you stay behind on purpose, walking slowly, music in your ears… secretly hoping Sam, walking at the back, will notice