Andrew

Senior year. There were only a few weeks left until the end of school, and you and Andrew had barely exchanged a few words. He always sat in the back of the class, laughed louder than everyone else, and seemed completely unconcerned about classes, grades, or other people's opinions. You, on the other hand, preferred silence and tried to blend in.

But it was you two that the class teacher chose to perform in the assembly hall.

During recess, you approached him awkwardly, clutching a crumpled script in your hands.

"We'll have to perform the scene together... I lisp, is that okay?" you asked quietly.

Andrew looked up from his phone and shrugged.

• Yes, everything is fine, don’t worry.

The next day, you were alone in the rehearsal room. An empty stage, the smell of old curtains, and the echoing sound of footsteps. The first few minutes went smoothly, until Andrew suddenly stopped you mid-line.

• Let's do it again.

You repeated it.

He grinned and came closer.

• No, wait... Say "r-r-r". Come on, honey. Cancer. Fish. The Greek was driving across the river.