I. A sadness that can't be contained

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It was that season again. The season where teenagers have no more classes, no more homework, and no more worries. School was out and today is the first day of summer vacation.

The bright sun shined down on the earth, creating a warm atmosphere. The wind was blowing not too little, but not too much either. Birds were twittering and tweeting about while squirrels could be seen skittering their way across the paths. This was what people would call a glorious day.

Splashes and laughter could be heard from the body of water near the land.

Oh my God, I feel it in the air
Telephone wires above
Are sizzlin' like a snare

Music was playing from a phone hooked into a speaker in the background while people were enjoying themselves in the water. And who were these people?

Why, they were your friends.

Honey I'm on fire, I feel it everywhere
Nothin' scares me anymore

If they were your friends, then where were you?

"2, 3, 4... kiss me hard... before you go..." You sang quietly, overhearing the loud music flowing into your cabin as you tried to catch some shut-eye. You hummed the part after that and closed your sleepy eyes again.

Your sleep was interrupted by a knock at the open door. You hear approaching footsteps towards your bed.

"Rise and shine, honey!"

You turned to the direction of the voice, but half of your face was still in the pillow. "Can't I just get some peace and quiet after we just got here?" Your voice came out muffled.

Your best friend, Miriam, shook her head and crossed her arms. "Honestly, why'd you even bother to come if you're just going to laze around all day? It's a bright and sunny day! C'mon, come out and enjoy yourself with the others. We're gonna be seniors finally!"

She grabbed your arm that was dangling out at the side of the bed and attempted to pull you out of your cozy place. 

You resisted her pulling.

"I'm..." Miriam huffed, "...going to drag you there if I have to..."

She grabbed your other arm and successfully got you out of the bed.

You landed graciously onto the ground with a thud. Miriam let go of your arms to let you lie there as she caught her breath. "Goddamn, (Name)."

There was a reason why you went on this trip, but you'd rather not let anyone know, especially not Miriam of all people.

Lying on the ground was unsanitary as hell, so you quickly sat up. "Sorry, Miriam. I... I just wanted to spend time with you before..." you hesitated, "...before summer ends."

"Aw thanks, best friend. But you know there are other people here that want to spend time with you too ya know. 'Cause they're your friends." Miriam pulled you off the ground with her hands.

You gave her a incredulous look. "No, they're your friends."

Miriam waved her hand dismissively. "Just give them a chance."

"I feel awkward around them."

"Well, don't feel awkward around them."

"Thanks, you're the queen of advice."

"Ey, that's me. Miriam the Queen of Advice," she winked playfully at you. "No, but seriously, join us. At least show your face for a bit, so they don't think you disappeared on us or something."

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