The Last Pyramid

Marcus stood at the edge of the pool, chlorine stinging his nose, watching Tyler spin in circles like a human **water** tornado. Summer was ending, and everyone was pretending this wasn't the last time they'd all be together before senior year ripped them apart in different directions.

"Dude, you look like a **zombie**," Elena said, appearing beside him with two red cups. "Rough night?"

"Rough summer," Marcus shrugged. "My mom's all in on this new 'wellness pyramid' scheme. She's got boxes of essential oils stacked in the living room like some weird altar. Cable guy came yesterday and couldn't even get to the router because of all the 'inventory'."

Elena groaned. "Not another MLM. My aunt did that last year. Lost three grand and now she's selling hair vitamins."

Marcus's phone buzzed. Mom again. Probably wanting him to record a testimonial about how the oils had "totally changed his life." He'd been avoiding her calls all day.

"Hey," Tyler shouted from the pool, dripping wet. "Bet you won't jump in with your phone!"

"Not taking that bet," Marcus called back. But something caught his eye—a small plastic bag floating near the pool drain, swishing back and forth with the current. Inside, a single **goldfish** darting in frantic circles, probably someone's carnival prize abandoned in the chaos.

"Is that..." Elena started.

"Yeah." Marcus knelt, carefully scooped up the bag, and carried it to the edge. The goldfish pressed against the plastic, gills working overtime. "Poor little guy's been in there for hours."

"What are you gonna do with it?"

Marcus thought about his room, about the pyramid of oil boxes in his living room, about the way his mom had been so desperate for something to believe in that she'd let herself get played. About how he'd been judging her when really, he was just scared she was going to get hurt again.

"I'm gonna take him home," he said. "Set up a proper tank. Give him a chance."

Elena smiled, and it was the first real smile he'd seen from her all night. "That's actually kind of sweet, Marcus."

"Don't tell anyone. I've got a reputation to maintain."

"Your secret's safe with me." She nudged his shoulder. "Hey, maybe your mom can name some oils after him. 'Goldfish Serenity' or something."

Marcus laughed, and for the first time all summer, the knot in his chest loosened. The fish bag swung gently in his hand, a small living thing depending on him. He wasn't ready for senior year or whatever came after, but he could save a goldfish. That was a start.