The Social Pyramid Scheme

Marcus dragged himself through the cafeteria line, feeling like a straight-up zombie after staying up until 3 AM finishing his history project. The social hierarchy of Northwood High operated like a pyramid scheme — seniors at the top eating whatever they wanted, freshmen stuck with whatever was left.

"Bro, you look dead," said Jasmine, sliding her tray next to his. "Seriously, zombie mode activated."

"Tell me about it," Marcus muttered, poking at the mystery meat on his plate. "I'm operating on negative sleep and worse decisions."

She laughed and pointed at his fruit cup. "What is THAT?"

"Papaya," he said, staring at the orange chunks. "My mom's trying to get me to eat 'exotic' foods. It's not working."

"That's a whole mood," Jasmine said, stealing a piece. "Actually not terrible? Like, low-key kinda good?"

Before Marcus could respond, Kyle — the guy who'd been blowing up his phone all week — appeared behind them. "Yo Marcus, we still on for the party? Sarah's gonna be there and-"

"Dude," Marcus cut him off, feeling that familiar weight in his chest. "I already told you, I can't. My dad needs help with the dog. She's been sick and-"

"Again?" Kyle's voice carried. Half the cafeteria turned to look. "You're always bailing, man. Whatever."

Jasmine gave him a look that said *we both know what this is about*. Because they both did — Kyle only invited him places when he needed a ride, or someone to make him look better. The same guy who'd Marcus's back when it mattered.

"Actually," Marcus said, standing up, "you know what? Spike's my dog. She's fifteen years old and she's MY responsibility. So yeah, I'm 'bailing.' Have fun at the party."

He grabbed his backpack, ignored the papaya on his tray, and walked out with Jasmine trailing behind him.

"That was legendary," she said once they hit the hallway. "Like, actually iconic."

"Yeah, well," Marcus managed a half-smile. "Better to be a zombie with my dog than a fake person in that pyramid."

"Facts." She fist-bumped him. "Now let's go save Spike. And maybe grab actual food on the way."

For the first time all week, Marcus didn't feel tired at all.