Gavin stared at Austin. His eyes were sharp, narrowed like he was trying to burn a hole through his head.“You know, you’ve balls showing up in the house of the man that almost made you see the afterlife ,” Austin said, stepping closer. Gavin could see him quiver, he was afraid of course he was. He had witnessed him being shot, only to see him stand in front of him completely unharmed. That was enough to shake a person.“You had a good opening, Austin. You just had to ruin it with shitty dialogue.” Gavin said, using Austin’s fear to his advantage. “But I understand the reason you said something so shitty. You’re afraid.”“I’m not afraid of you.” He spoke through clenched teeth. Gavin’s hands hung at his sides. “I can see it in your eyes.”Austin let out a short, emotionless chuckle, trying to look tough but his shaky hands gave him away too quickly.“All you can see is defiance, a sign that you are nothing but a fly hanging around my shoulder.”Austin’s face tightened further. “My

The morning sun spilled through the schoolyard as students hurried in, backpacks bouncing, and their laughter and chatter filling the air. Gavin walked through the gates, wearing a calm expression. He had long since mastered the art of looking like nothing bothered him, even when his mind was heavy. After he had spent the night thinking of the documents. As Gavin glided into the school building he noticed Austin staring. Not the usual glance, but a sharp, strange look, like Austin was trying to read Gavin’s thoughts. Gavin stepped right up to him. “Keep staring and I will hurt you the same way you tried to hurt me.” Gavin said. “Trust me I wouldn’t miss like you did.” Austin straightened, smirking in that careless way he always did when he felt cornered. “You think you scare me?” Gavin didn’t bother replying. He just looked him in the eyes, then turned and walked away. His silence was heavier than any comeback Austin could think of. And maybe that was why Austin stayed rooted