Mom suggests I join her on a dog walk. The park is nearby, and no matter what time you go, without fail, there's a motley crew of canines chasing each other around in circles, slobbering their faces off. It's Hank's happy place; I like seeing him there. I kind of wish I could be a doggo sometimes. Looks like fun. Sweet and simple.
Staring at him, gleefully getting humped by another dog, Mom turns to me.
"Your dad said you had a band practice yesterday?"
"Uh, yeah."
"How did that come about?"
"Just this girl at school. She was looking for a guitarist for her band; she wants to play this talent show that's happening at the school in a few weeks"
"That's a great thing to get involved with," she says.
"Yeah," I reply. "It's alright."
I suddenly feel nervous around Mom; it happens sometimes. I don't know what to say.
I walk over to Hank, pick up a stick, and throw it for him; but he doesn't seem all that interested and just stares at me, blankly.
I remember this summer vacation a couple years back. After Grade Nine, I think. I don't even remember why I did this, but I made a conscious effort to never go into the water on that trip. For the entire two-week vacation, on the beach every day, I didn't go in the water once. I don't think I even read or anything—just stared at the sand all day, kept my sunglasses on, head still. When Mom asked if I was okay, I'd just respond with a quiet "yup."
I don't even remember why I did that. Why was I such a drama queen?
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Alternative
Teen FictionTim's public high school experience thus far has been characterized by bad grades and the total absence of a social life; he's listless and needs a change. So, after grade eleven ends, his mom decides to enrol him in a bizarre, little alternative sc...
