Page 172 of The Friend Scheme

---

We reach the airport and go through the motions. Soon, my bag is checked in, and all I have left to do is go through security.

And you know.

Say goodbye to Dad and Luke.

“You still sure about this?” asks Dad.

“I am,” I say.

“As long as you’re sure.”

He offers his hand. I shake it.

It makes me feel so adult.

“Text me when you land,” he says.

“Will do.”

Luke grabs me in a big hug. “I’m going to miss you, man.”

“I’ll miss you, too.”

We break apart. So this is it.

I wave at them and then head to security. I unzip my backpack and take off my shoes, and then go through the metal detector. Once I’m through, I turn back and look for Luke and Dad.

They’re gone.

ONE YEAR LATER

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

I never wanted to be a criminal.

And now I’m not.

I’m just an ordinary guy. There’s nothing special about me anymore.

But I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. By far.

Right now, I’m at my job at the movie theater in the mall closest to my house. I’m behind the counter, waiting to sell some tickets. I’ve been working here for nearly six months now, and unfortunately…

I’m starting to get over it.

As much as I love film, this job involves a lot of cleaning. And dealing with annoying customers.

Then more cleaning. And more dealing with annoying customers.

Rinse and repeat.

I still have no idea how people spill so much stuff. It’s like they’ve never been taught to eat properly. Or that as soon as they walk into a theater, they completely forget and feel totally fine leaving their crap everywhere.

Also: Why are people such assholes?

Anyway.

There are a lot of things I could be doing that are way worse.

---