The Diary of An Overthinker

ily slid into their usual seats near the back. Ms. Julia hadn't

before dramatically slamming it shut and clutching her chest. Zola snorted, cove

horror. "Zola! Tha

tears prick at their eyes. Across the room, Jessica and her clique rolled theirs,

door sw

ronome. The class fell silent... except for Jessica, who kep

you're so eager to share, why don't

oze. The r

.. which one'

heet problem glared in bold marker. Jessica trudged up, snatched the dry-erase

t-liability reconciliation but speaking up meant drawing

overthink it, Zol

ia: "Ye

is off by $2,300. It's because the d

. Ms. Julia's ste

attention, Ms. Carter." She shot Jessi

ace burning. But as she passed Zo

s: A Truce

a blocked her path. Lily stiffened beside her, ready to

you an apology. You didn't

): "Oh. Um. Yo

r usual venom. "I've been a jerk

t. Lily gaped like she'd jus

cker S

l processing Jessica's apology, when a

ol

in Accounting. Yo

urday? Coffee

vi

oulder, shrieked. "OH. MY

ff like it was radioac

vin Matthews. Do you

Probably all of them. B

d. "You're

's S

ball field with his teammates, laughing a

arche

ng): "Zola! Y

we talk?

. Kevin waved them off and f

t I'm not looking for a relationship. I need to focus o

wning): "W

eone who'll actually enjoy your foot

protest, she walked

dropped from a bush

e you rejected Kevin

rking): "

February 28

r Di

a of all people in Accounting. And she a

y.) I said no. Lily might disown me, but I'd rat

note is still bothering me. I hid my

s al

o

quiet victories. Please keep the shadows away tonight."...then b

er bedside lamp when a sof

): "Zola? S

blanket up): "Ye

cardigan, her reading glasses perched on her head like a makeshift he

ame): "Just wanted to check on y

the usual. But I finished my Acco

et that from me." She chuckled, stepping closer to smooth Zola's

place, the smell of old paper, and...though she'd never admit it out loud...the occasional chance

e're getting a new shipment of classics i

d Zola's hair, earning an exaggerated groan. "Just promise me you won't stay

"I have no idea h

I suppose the bookmark at chapter

of school, Kevin's note, and even that stra

You doing okay,

ology, about Kevin, about the whisper of unease she c

t... thinking. B

if those thoughts get too loud, you know where to find me." S

"Night

The house settled around her...the faint hum of the refrigerator, the d