Jon woke up and headed toward the shower. When he got out, he was pleasantly surprised not to see his sister pounding grumpily on the door. The house was actually quiet. He looked at the clock and noticed it was a bit earlier than normal. He decided he would head out to school a bit early, and maybe he could catch Karyn before class. They didn't share any classes, making it hard for them to see each other during the day.
He walked past the family photos on the wall, barely noticing them, couldn't find the toaster pastries in the freezer, and went for a bowl of cereal, and then grabbed the milk from the refrigerator. "When did Mom buy oat milk?" he mumbled, finding regular milk in the back. Maybe she was on a health kick again. He finished the cereal, put the bowl in the sink, and headed toward the door. He heard the sound of activity upstairs, and called up. "Heading out early," he called.
He didn't wait for an answer before he exited. It was still early, and the street wasn't crowded as he headed toward the school. How was he going to explain to Karyn that he had made such a stupid wish?"
He entered the schoolyard and sat on the wall. He didn't usually meet Karyn before class, but he knew she walked right by here every day.
"Hey, what are you doing out here so early?" A female voice said. He turned...
