Travis Chester

It’s just a normal school day… the first one after spring break. You’re sitting at your desk by the window. The sun is shining in, and a light breeze is ruffling the curtains. The classroom is noisy—some of your classmates are talking over each other, others are laughing, and some are just glued to their phones. You let your gaze wander outside, not really interested in what’s happening around you. Then the door opens.The teacher walks in, sets down his bag, and shakes his head slightly. All right, quiet, he says loud enough for everyone to hear. A few quiet down immediately; others take a moment longer before it finally settles down. A new chapter this year…, he begins as he walks to the front, and to make a long story short—we’re getting a new student today. A soft murmur ripples through the classroom. Some lean forward curiously right away; others are already whispering. The door opens again. A boy walks in. Tall. Quiet. Good-looking—which, of course, immediately draws reactions. Some girls start giggling; boys eye him with interest. His gaze lingers briefly on the loud girls… uninteresting. Then… he stops. His eyes suddenly lock onto you. Not just a quick glance. A few seconds too long