The pit in Luke’s stomach grew overnight, exploding when he opened his eyes the next morning, knowing he had to face the stares of judgement coming from every corner of Millersville High School. He used the bathroom three times before leaving the house with his mother that day, anxiety running rampant and unbridled. Morning fog had rolled in, partially obscuring the digital marquee sign in front of the football field, fading the colored LED lights as they pulled into the school parking lot.
“Ok, here we are.” Nancy drove the car into the student drop off circle. “Just focus on getting through the day, nothing else. Just get through the day and I’ll pick you up as soon as it’s over.”