Page 20 of Penalty Shots

Keelan

That’s your problem. If the goal is merely survival then you can’t let yourself enjoy the journey.

Sounds pretty dull if you ask me.

My mom’s voice drones on in the background.

Me

Well, I didn't ask you…

But let me guess. You know all about enjoying the journey, don’t you, man-child?

Keelan

Man-child?!

Me

Only children are concerned with always having fun.

Keelan

Oh no…

Me

What?

Keelan

She's rubbing off on you.

Me

My mother?!… oh my God! Don't ever compare me to her ever again.

Keelan

Fine. Prove it.

Meet me after class near the quad. I’m going to show you something.

Me

I have homework. And I don’t think Jenny would appreciate me hanging out with her boyfriend.

I’ll pass.

Keelan

Jenny will be there, silly. So don’t run off. We will come find you. We’ll send the cheer squad and hockey team out to get you.

“Phones up,” my mom says, glaring at me. Of course, she says nothing to Keelan. My jaw drops in disgust as I push the phone away on my desk.

Once she goes back to her discussion, the light on my phone blinks on. Another text.

Keelan

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