Can You See Me/Can You Hear Me

Hurt Is The Proof Of Life

It was the first day of MEA break and Connor had already gotten into two fights with his father. The first one was because Connor got high right when he got home and the second was because of how bad his grades were when it was only the second month of school. So naturally, Connor was in his room extending the length of his high because fuck you, Larry.

It was only the second week of October, but apparently his parents thought it was cold enough to turn on the heat. That made it unbearably hot in his room because hot air rises and his room was upstairs, Connor. Why is that the only thing he remembers from science class?

Connor was lying on his bed in just a pair of boxers with a joint between his lips. His sweatshirt was hanging off the bottom left corner of the bed and his hair was up in a bun. He had his blinds closed so it was dark. Like my soul, he thought bitterly. The only light was the light from the hallway peeking out from under his door. His small bookshelf was pushed against the door so nobody could get in. He could also lock it if, you know, his lock worked.

He threw one arm behind his head as he let out a puff of smoke. He needed to get high fast. His arms and legs were itching and were already red and puffy from constantly scratching at them. He lost his blade a while ago so getting high off his ass was the only way to ignore the urge.

One of the downsides to being high was he would get extremely hungry. He quickly finished the joint and sat up. He tugged on his jeans that were on the floor and stood up. He didn't bother with his sweatshirt. It was too hot to put that back on and he would only be downstairs for a minute.

He pushed his bookshelf out of the way and opened the door. He walked down the short hallway and contemplated sliding down the railing. Realizing he wasn't high enough for that shit, he bounded down the stairs, skipping every other step. He made his way into the kitchen. Larry, who was reading the newspaper, glanced over at him. Connor quickly made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, hoping to leave before Larry decided to yell at him more.

He took one bite and noticed Larry hadn't stopped staring. Connor stared back.

"You should really cover your arms, Connor," Larry said.

Connor rolled his eyes. Maybe if you turn the fucking heat off, I will. He raised his middle finger and walked out of the kitchen. On his way up the stairs, he caught Zoe staring at him from her room. More importantly, at his arms. He glared at her and stormed into his room, slamming the door shut and pushing the bookshelf back over it.

He put his sandwich on the empty plate on the table next to his bed. Cynthia had brought up some fruit and toast for breakfast when she noticed Connor didn't come down that morning. He didn't plan on eating it, but after one bite of the toast made him realize how hungry he was.

Connor laid on the bed, arms behind his head and legs crossed. He glanced at his phone, briefly debating whether or not he should try to start a conversation with Evan. After the project, they decided to keep in touch but so far none of them made a move to contact each other.

He reached for his phone, quickly unlocking it.

Connor: my house is hot as balls and my fathers an ass, wanna go do smth

Evan: What did you have in mind?

Connor: youll see

Evan: Connor. I'm blind.

Connor: figure of speech. Be there soon

He pocketed his phone and grabbed his hoodie. He was zipping it up as he walked down the stairs. Ignoring his father's disapproving stare, he swiped the car keys from the hook on the small bit of wall beneath a cupboard above the island. He made his way to the front door. He decided to put his shoes on in the car, but immediately regretted the choice as the asphalt on the driveway was ice cold and his socks didn't do well to protect him.