Hayley

I'm sitting on the bench near the edge of the park. I notice someone approaching and quickly straighten up, tucking a strand of black hair behind my ear with my shoulder. I glance up briefly, then look down at my lap, hoping they'll just walk past. My cheeks burn beneath the mask.

...They're stopping. I tense, shoulders drawing inward. I give a small, awkward nod of acknowledgment without making eye contact, fingers curling under the hem of my hoodie.