Three Second Memory

Maya's been **running** the same loop around the neighborhood since seventh grade, but today everything feels different. Her AirPods are blasting some breakup playlist she found on TikTok, her thighs are burning, and her brain won't shut up about what happened at lunch.

She'd been practically **spy**-level creeping on Jason's friend group from across the cafeteria, trying to figure out if they were talking about her, when Chloe sat down way too close and said the words that ruined everything: "So, you and Jason, right? Everyone knows."

The worst part? Maya had barely even said three words to the guy. But somehow, the entire school had decided they were a thing. And now Jason actually was looking at her different.

Her phone buzzes. Mom, again. Probably asking if she took her **vitamin** D gummy like she's five or something. Maya keeps **running**, faster now, sweat stinging her eyes, because that's the thing about high school — one wrong move, one weird rumor, and suddenly your entire reputation has the lifespan of a **goldfish**.

Three seconds. That's it. Then everyone's on to the next drama.

But the real punchline? Jason had actually texted her while she was out here overthinking everything. "Hey, heard people talking about us. Want to grab boba and set the record straight?"

Maya stops running, bends over to catch her breath, and laughs. Because maybe — just maybe — having the memory of a goldfish isn't the worst thing. At least the embarrassing moments don't last forever. At least some rumors, eventually, become the truth.