( @newhamwill ! )
between his role on the guard, maintaining the garden, planning prom, and fulfilling jobs on the committee-sanctioned rotation, grizz hasn’t been able to squeeze in daily runs like usual. tonight marks a rare turn in recent events: jason offers to take his kitchen shift, to let him get some air, bro. it’s thoughtful, if a little disconcerting –– can everyone see how burnt out he is ? the thought sends grizz spiraling. he rushes home. changes into running shorts and a hoodie. the familiar thud of his sneakers against pavement propels him forward, faster, faster, as he practically sprints through town.
it’s been at least a week since he’s felt this. freedom. the wind in his hair, blood rushing through his veins, all for something great. as the sun dips low and day shifts to night, emily’s eyes don’t lurk in new ham’s stretching shadows.
he rounds the bend onto carlyle, past that big abandoned house –– that’s weird. the lights are on. grizz slows his pace and squints through cool night air. he can see a figure moving on the first story and his first thought’s so optimistic it’s almost embarrassing: maybe they’re not alone after all.
he jogs up to the front door and debates knocking, but when his fist meets its bright-painted face, it nudges open. “ uh... hello ? ” he dips past the threshold and into the front foyer, breath still labored from his run. “ your uh... front door’s open. anybody in ? ”