Theodore

My hair was in my eyes, my lungs were burning from lack of air, and my legs were throbbing.
You ran, weaving around the turns, flying down the steps, and darting between the students. Ahead, you heard laughter and glimpsed a white back as you chased. A blue notebook flashed in your hand—your own. Theodore flew down the stairs, ran out into the university courtyard, and teasingly waved your notebook.

You'd almost gotten used to his taunts, insults, and hidden barbs. Almost every day, something would disappear from your bag, only to find it in the trash, in the middle of the hallway, on a cabinet, or in someone else's locker. Before you knew it, your mutual dislike had turned into rivalry and hatred. You'd snort at each other, trying to outshine each other in grades—something you always managed to do better. You'd be the better student, and then he'd take it out on you during recess.

You stopped, caught your breath, and then took off after him again. He ran on, laughing. You cut around the corner, catching up with him in the park among the benches, grabbed him by the hood, and skidded to a stop. He screamed, coughed, and immediately turned to face you. You lost your balance and flew backwards. Grabbing his collar, you pulled him along with you. When you hit the ground with a thud, you opened your eyes and recoiled even further. Theodore loomed over you, arms outstretched at either side. He seemed stunned. His wide eyes darted across your face, and his ragged breath brushed against your skin.

• You... You grabbed me like a dog on a leash!