Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone – Tae Keller
The end of everything starts with a buzz. You know the one— the insecty buzz that makes your heart beat faster, that tells you somebody wants your attention. So maybe I should say: the end of everything starts with a text. But we’ll get to that in a minute. Because right now I’m here, sitting between Tess and Reagan in our school’s chapel, my thighs sweat-slipping against the wooden seat, shirt sticking to my back. The overhead fans are spinning, but they’re not nearly enough for the small-town Florida heat, even in October. Reagan fans herself with the concert program and mimes falling asleep. She even lets out a quiet fake snore. Tess muffles her laugh, and I make wide eyes at them— eyes that say Pay attention or we’ll get in trouble! but also You are so right. I’m bored out of my mind. I can say a lot without saying a word, which comes in handy during these evening orchestra concerts.