I catch the door so it doesn’t slam, close it quietly, and go pour myself a bowl of cereal.

About an hour and a half later I’m walking uphill on the road towards Clyde’s house with April and Lily, but that's not where we’re going. April talks over the drone of the cicadas, saying she found something in the woods up at the top of the hill. The warm gravel crunches under my bare feet and I’m careful to step around the spiny chestnuts that have fallen from the tree in someone else’s yard.

It only takes a minute to get to Clyde’s, and I turn back to look at Grandfather Mountain and the trailers down the hill before we disappear into the silent tree line.

hey, sorry I saw your profile and I just thought you looked cute in your picture, i really wanted to tell you that)) It's really rare to see girls playing video games haha! I don't know why its a guy thing honestly im like really against misogyny and like ill be the one in the kitchen making sandwiches. We should really play l4d2 sometime its a really cool zombie game with a lot of scary moments, but don't worry ill be there to protect you ;) sorry that wasnt flirting I swear Im just trying to be friendly I really like your profile picture sorry was that too far? Really sorry i'm really shy I don't go out much haha add me on skype we should talk more you look really cute and nice xxx