Too many distractions. Too many people he knew. At Hackett Middle School, for half a second after the bell peals, there is silence. Then a loud scream pierces the air. Hundreds follow, bouncing off thick stone walls as 700 pubescent pupils change class, a jumble of braids, book bags, saggy jeans and short skirts.
Conversations whiz past in high voices.
He'd bend to straighten a pant cuff. Or wipe a spot on his sneaker. He always dressed fine. He was mad cool. The halls were fine.