Thirteen Summers

forty-seven

THIRTEEN SUMMERS

The next morning, the house was still quiet when Nick knocked softly on Josie's door.

"Josie?" he called, pushing the door open just enough to peek inside.

Josie was already awake.

Not dressed for the day, but sitting on the edge of her bed, knees tucked tightly to her chest, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands.

Her hair was tangled from sleep, but her eyes were too bright, too restless. She looked like she hadn't really slept at all.

Nick's expression softened. "Come on." He said, stepping into the room. "Get dressed. We're going for a run."

Josie blinked at him, confused. "Why?"

"Because yesterday was rough for you. "He explained simply. "And you've been stuck in your head. Running always helps you."

She hesitated. He saw the doubt flicker across her face, that small twitch in her upper lip she did when she wanted to protest but didn't know how.

She just nodded.

The morning air was crisp when they stepped outside, cool enough to sting faintly against their cheeks.

Josie tugged at her hoodie hem again and again, wishing she could disappear inside it.

She hated how her leggings clung to her legs, hated how exposed she felt like every flaw was outlined in the cool air.

"Ready?" Nick asked.

Josie nodded again, and they started forward, Nick at a slow, steady pace.

She followed, matching his rhythm for only a few seconds before her thoughts began creeping in.

I should run faster.

I should burn more.

I ate yesterday. Too much. Way too much. She thought back to her late night binge.

If I run harder, maybe-

Her breath quickened. Her feet hit the ground harder. Then faster.

Nick glanced over and she was suddenly several paces ahead, pushing into a near sprint.

"Jo? Hey-slow down." He called, not sharp, just steady.

But she didn't. Her legs moved on instinct, driven by something she couldn't name aloud.

The thoughts tightened their grip.

I'll feel better.

I'll look better.

"Josie!"

His voice cut through the static in her brain.

She stumbled to a stop, chest heaving, throat burning raw after only a few minutes of running. Sweat dotted her hairline far earlier than it should've.

Nick jogged up to her, placing his hands on his hips as he caught his breath but mostly watching her closely.

"What was that?" He asked gently.

Josie's fingers tugged at her sleeves. "Nothing. I just... wanted to go faster."

Nick's brows furrowed, not accusing, not angry, just searching. "That didn't look like just anything."

She swallowed hard and shook her head. "I just got excited. The air, the quiet. I dunno. It just felt good to run."

Her voice was too quick. Too light.