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 cha-pel, 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.
And let’s be honest: Reagan can be a bit dramatic, but she’s not entirely wrong. We come to these concerts because Tess’s sister is in the orchestra, and we can’t make Tess attend alone. But the problem with the Gibbons Academy mid-de school orchestra is that instead of learning new music, they play the same Christmas carols all year, every year. By the millionth rendition of “Silent Night,” it’s kind of…a lot.
Secretly, though, I think there’s something comforting about the strings and the familiarity. And today, especially, I welcome the sameness.
Today I’m locked in a battle with my brain, thinking about the Incident from Friday while also reallynotthinkingaboutit.
My mind keeps drifting, floating to that feeling of my whole self coming apart. And then I have to drag my thoughts right back to this very normal, very boring evening. See, “Silent Night.” Just like it always is.
And that’s when Reagan’s phone buzzes.
The text that ends everything.
Comprehension Questions
1. Who is telling us what is happening in the first person point of view?
A. Tess
B. Reagan
C. Jennifer
A. Because something happened on Friday.
B. It's probably nothing.
C. Reagan shouldn't be on her phone during a concert.
Your Thoughts
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.