The clock struck 3, and school was out.
Gunner was walking home, and Noah walked up beside him.
"Hey, Gunner," Noah said, trying to catch his breath. "Do you have a minute to talk?"
"Sure, what's up?" Gunner replied, curious about what Noah wanted to discuss.
Noah asked, "Are you seeing anyone?" Gunner smirked, "Why?"
it's the first day of school, and we just met! So, are you seeing anyone? *winks* Gunner said no, and Noah laughed.
Gunner smiled and asked, "You into guys or girls or both?"
Noah guys you!
"Bye," Gunner said, waving as Noah disappeared inside.
Gunner said, "Both, I guess."
Noah watched through the window as Gunner walked away, realizing he only lived a couple of houses down.
Gunner walks inside to his mom making dinner, his dad drunk on the couch—nothing new there.
His dad wakes up. "I thought I told you to mow the lawn before school."
"Dad, I don't have time for that, I already told you."
"Yeah right, even more of a disappointment," his dad said.
"Hey now," his mom said.
His dad stood up. "You're grounded."
"For what?" Gunner said as his dad drunkenly walked away.
Gunner's mom stepped in, "That's enough. Gunner, go to your room."
Gunner sighed and headed upstairs, wondering how things had gotten so out of control.
He heard his dad downstairs. "Only if I had a good son, not a lazy and disappointing one," his dad muttered.
Gunner clenched his fists, feeling the sting of his father's words. He knew he had to get out of this toxic environment.
He snuck out his window, careful not to make a sound.
Noah noticed. "Hot and a bad boy," he thought.
Gunner sat on his roof, trying not to break down.
He took a deep breath, looking out at the night sky, wondering if he would ever find peace.
Four hours later, he was still there, lost in his thoughts and emotions.
He saw the sun coming up. He thought he should get ready for school.
He climbed down from the roof, feeling the weight of the night still heavy on his shoulders.
As he walked back inside, he could hear the faint sounds of the house waking up, signaling the start of a new day.
He grabbed his backpack and headed downstairs, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts from the night before.
He took a deep breath and started his walk to school, hoping today would be different.
He noticed Noah leaving for school, a slight nod exchanged between.
"Noah, I noticed you on the roof last night," he told Gunner.
Noah looked surprised but quickly composed himself. "I was just getting some fresh air," he replied casually.