A Year in Juvenile Detention : Carl Gallagher

Unwanted company

Carl had never been one to back down from a challenge, and Areum was proving to be one of his toughest yet. Every day he tried to break through her icy exterior, and every day she pushed him away. But Carl was nothing if not persistent—and increasingly more determined.

During lunch, Carl plopped his tray down across from Areum, who was engrossed in a book. She didn't even look up.

"Hey, Areum," Carl said, his voice carrying a rough edge. "Mind if I sit here?"

"Yes," Areum replied without lifting her gaze.

Carl ignored her and took a seat anyway. "What're you reading?"

Areum finally looked up, her eyes cold. "Why do you keep bothering me?"

Carl leaned in, his expression hardening. "Because I want to. Now, what's the book?"

Areum closed her book with a sigh. "I told you, I don't need friends. Especially not ones like you."

Carl's eyes narrowed, his smile fading. "Maybe I'm not asking to be your friend. Just making conversation."

Areum shook her head. "I'm not interested, Carl. Just leave me alone."

Carl leaned back, still staring at her. "Alright, but you're missing out."

Areum rolled her eyes and opened her book again, effectively ending the conversation. Carl watched her for a moment longer before digging into his food, his eyes never leaving her face.

Later that day, Carl found himself in the common area, a place where the inmates could play games, watch TV, or just hang out. He spotted Areum sitting alone at a table, sketching in a notebook. He couldn't help but be drawn to her again.

"Whatcha drawing?" he asked, sliding into the seat across from her.

Areum didn't look up. "Carl, do you ever take a hint?"

"Not really," he admitted, his tone more serious. "So, what're you working on?"

Areum sighed, clearly annoyed. "It's none of your business."

Carl leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "Come on, Areum, I'm just trying to get to know you. Why's that such a bad thing?"

"Because I don't want to get to know you," she snapped, her patience wearing thin. "I don't care about you or your stupid charm. Just leave me alone."

Carl's eyes darkened, and he raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll back off."

Areum didn't respond, focusing intently on her sketch. Carl watched her for a moment longer before standing up and walking away. He could feel the frustration building inside him, but he pushed it down. He wasn't going to let her get to him.

That evening, Carl lay on his bunk, staring at the ceiling. His mind kept drifting back to Areum. She was different from anyone he'd ever met—cold, distant, and completely uninterested in him. It was a blow to his ego, but it also made him more determined.

The next day, Carl saw Areum in the yard again. She was sitting under their usual tree, her book open on her lap. He walked over, his steps more deliberate and intimidating. He stood a few feet away, watching her.

"Hey, Areum," he called out.

She looked up, her expression exasperated. "What now, Carl?"

"I just wanted to say I get it," Carl said, his tone harder than usual. "You don't want to be friends. That's cool. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

Areum stared at him for a long moment before nodding once. "Okay."

Carl gave her a small, knowing smile and turned to leave.