Chapter 128

2019 wasn’t supposed to be this way anymore, especially among the young. They were the promise of a less hateful, more enlightened future. That had always been the hope. It was one of those moments when my conscience and character battled with my strength. I knew I should confront this person, whether it was Laura or not, whether she was speaking about Carrie or someone else entirely. I ended up feeling like a pretty lousy jerk myself, because as I walked by the car, all I said was “Be nice,” not even directly at the people inside, but definitely loudly enough for them to hear me. I sucked as a human being.

Karma agreed. When I got to my car, as I watched the taillights from the other disappear down the long, winding hill that was the high school’s driveway, I noticed my front, passenger side tire was flat.