Zombie Walks Into Junior Year

I felt like a **zombie**. First day of junior year, eyes half-open, skull barely fitting my brain. My black beanie – which I'd spent thirty minutes positioning to hit that effortless vibe – was already giving me a headache.

"You good, Maya?" Lena asked, falling into step beside me. She had that scary perfect energy, the kind that made you question your entire existence.

"Just socially obligated to be here," I muttered. "Also, I'm pretty sure my mom fed my **goldfish** expired flakes this morning. RIP Finstan II."

Lena laughed. "You and that fish. You've had him since, what, seventh grade?"

"He was a lifestyle choice, Lena. A responsibility. Now I'm free." I paused. "Also, kinda traumatized? But whatever."

The parking lot came into view, and suddenly my **dog** – Barnaby, the world's most chaotic golden retriever mix – was nowhere to be seen. Thank god. Last time he escaped during back-to-school week, he'd spent twenty minutes chasing the principal while wearing my little sister's sparkly princess **hat**. The video had nearly 500K views on TikTok. My brother still threatened to respost it whenever I annoyed him.

"Speaking of chaos," Lena said, nodding toward the entrance, "there's Jason."

Jason. The guy I'd been lowkey crushing on since summer camp. The one who'd somehow made cross-country cool, always **running** with that effortlessly athletic stride that made regular walking feel inadequate.

My stomach did that thing where it simultaneously wanted to empty itself and also consume five cafeteria pizzas.

"He's looking at you," Lena whispered. "Maya, he's literally looking right now."

"Don't look don't look don't –" I started, but my neck betrayed me.

Jason waved. Actually waved. At me.

"Who was that?" I squeaked.

"The guy who literally asked for your insta at Casey's party last week?" Lena gave me that look. "Your traumatized goldfish grief must be blocking your memories."

Oh. Right. That party. The one where I'd spent three hours in the bathroom hyperventilating because someone said "outfit fit" and I didn't know if they were complimenting me or if fit was short for something else.

"I'm still processing," I admitted. "Also, my brain is currently functioning on three hours of sleep and anxiety."

"Welcome to junior year." Lena bumped my shoulder. "At least you're not a zombie anymore."

I looked at Jason again. He was still waiting, leaning against his locker like he had all the time in the world.

"Yeah," I said, adjusting my beanie. "Guess I'm waking up now."