Leafy trees whisper in the wind, and birds call to each other from the branches. Even the air smells fresher, less like car exhaust, even though the cars are just a street away. I flop down on the grass, lean my head back against my hands, and look up at the green leaves and patches of blue sky. Meghan flops down next to me. “We’ll figure something out. Don’t worry. You’re not in this alone.” She’s looking at me so intensely, I want to lean over and kiss her. Instead, I snatch the tube back and bop her on the head. “Aren’t you going to open this?” “Hey!” Meghan grabs the tube and bops me back. I laugh, shielding my head. She pulls the cap off and draws the painting out, unrolling it carefully. Then she sits there, staring at it. I’m scared I’ve freaked her out, but when she looks at me, her eyes are shining. “It’s beautiful,” she says. She leans over and kisses me on the cheek, lets her lips rest against my skin for a moment. “Thank you.” Then she starts to cry.
