Three Seconds

The bear hoodie was stolen—obviously. Jordan swiped it from lost and found sophomore year, wore it every day since, until the washing machine shredded it last week. Now it was gone, like everything else that mattered.

You're spiraling, Sam said, finding Jordan behind the bleachers during lunch. Again.

Jordan pulled their knees tighter. Leave it to their best friend to call them out with zero cushioning.

My mom's dating again, Jordan said. And I keep remembering. The bear hoodie. It was his. My dad's. She gave it to goodwill when she packed his stuff.

Sam sat beside them in the grass. That's rough.

And I can't stop thinking about the goldfish, Jordan continued. How they're supposed to have three-second memories. Imagine that, right? Just—everything resets. Constant fresh start.

That's a myth, Sam said. Goldfish remember for months.

Jordan blinked. Since when do you know fish facts?

Since I started running cross country, Sam said. It helps clear my head. You should come sometime.

That weekend, Jordan showed up at the park. Sam grinned, handed them an extra water bottle.

Just try to keep up, Sam said, and took off.

Jordan hated it. Their lungs burned, their legs ached, and Sam was effortlessly faster. But by the third lap, Jordan wasn't thinking about the bear hoodie anymore. Wasn't thinking about much except the rhythm of their own breath and Sam's stupid perfect stride.

They collapsed side by side afterward, gasping.

So? Sam asked.

Terrible, Jordan said. I'll be back tomorrow.

Weeks passed. Running became their thing. Then Sam said, I looked it up. Goldfish don't actually have three-second memories. They remember for months.

Jordan looked at Sam—really looked at them—and realized Sam was waiting. Had been waiting.

You're researching fish facts for me? Jordan asked, their heart racing for a different reason now.

I'm saying you don't have to forget, Sam said. You can remember and still move forward.

Jordan kissed them. Nose bump, laughter, pulled back nervous, leaned back in because they wanted this more than anything.

That night, Jordan texted their mom: found the bear hoodie. not lost anymore.

She replied: ???

Jordan didn't explain. Some things were better kept in circles.