he is sitting in the middle of a classroom full of people he does not know. another walks in that he doesn’t and will not; all that can be recalled is that they sit in front of him, two spots, in the gym. all that can be seen is that, every second (at least), two others turn to stare at them. what have they done?

idly, he stirs his drink. the ice is melting. idly, he takes a sip— it tastes like water. just water.