Senior year was a blur. Looking back at least. In the moment she felt like so many things were happening. Time felt incredibly long. Practices. Parties. Sleepovers. Exams. Games. Dances. Looking back as an adult all of those things kind of blurred into a simple image. the same vibration.

She had hardly hung out with

Imogen Howe

after the first morning bell. But she remembered that pretty vividly. They had agreed to meet before school started. They both arrived at around 7:28. They had 12 minutes until the first bell. What would they talk about? Nothing. They just kind of... she didn't remember these details. The details she could remember were the bright lights. Feeling like it was too early. But still feeling amped. Amped for the new year. She didn't drink coffee back then. This amped feeling was all internal.

The two had planned to meet early to say hi. But really it was to say bye. Looking back now, Ashley thinks it was more obvious to Imogen. Ashley hadn't noticed at the time because she was too busy imagining the future. What that year would be like.

"I think I have an answer to your question." Imogen said.

"What is that? what question?"

Imogen was about to say when a guy named Marcus bumped into them.

"woah sorry ladies!" and kept walking.

Imogen was about to say the answer. But now the words didn't come out. It wasn't right.

"Nevermind," she smiled. Ashley squinted at her and said once more. "Aren't you excited for senior year?"

she kept saying that word. Senior year. Senior. Senior being said slightly longer. senior year.

Ashley wondered what Imogen was up to these days. She probably had two or three cafes under her belt by this point. Asheley wondered while staring out the window. Facing west. Two thousand miles outwards there was a bell.

"Order's up, sir." a young voice squealed.

"Thanks," a deep voice quietly said, barely visible over the loud fans.

The young boy nodded and readjusted his hat.

The man sat down with the

McFlurry

and fries. He sat not far but not close to the other woman in the

McDonalds

. Some midway point. He looked her way for a moment and gave her a nod when her eyes met his. It looked like her mouth was opening to say something. Or try to. But he swiftly looked away. Gently but swift in a manner not to offend. And headed to the mid-point table.