Tyler and I were walking home together like usual. It was still wet outside from this morning’s snow so we tended to try to push each other into puddles and see who would be the wettest when we got to my home. It wasn’t an issue if we were wet since he had a spare drawer full of his clothes at my place to change into.  

This time though we saw a boy sitting under a big willow tree. In the summer Tyler said his family likes to have picnics here. It was his one of his most fond places full of happy memories.  

Now there was a brat digging a hole in the mud and sulking. Oh, a perfect subject for me to get talking. I gave Tyler one look, and he knew what I was planning to do. 

“No way dude. That guy could be a jerk like everyone at school. Plus, your mom has snacks and warm clothes waiting for us at home” He tried to pull my arm. 

“Or he could be sad and in need of some friends. Remember how miserable you were before my awesomeness came into your life” I put on my million-dollar smile and turned to approach the sulker. 

Boy was in a black hoodie, typical sulker material,  and checkered vans. I saw some curly blonde hair peeking out of the hood and mud splattered on the hem of his pants. If he hadn’t been sitting on a rock, I’m sure the rest of him would be just as muddy. 

“Hello! I’m Terrin. Who are you and why are you destroying that mud?” I asked leaning over sideways to try to get his eyes to see me. 

“I don’t care go away” 

“Oooo feisty I like that. I think I’ll just come sit next to you if you don’t wanna talk”

“Do that and I whack you with the stick” He said holding it up. This dude still would not look at me! How rude and fun this was going to be.

“Sounds very threatening when you wont even look at me. Anyway, its two vs one and you wouldn’t stand a chance against my friend over here. He is known for brawling” I said winking at Tyler. 

“Dude that was one time! Let it go” Tyler said smacking me upside the head. “Ow! Ill tell mom you attacked me!”

Upon hearing Tyler’s voice, the sulker looked up. He had deep blue eyes they were blood strained, and I could see the tear stains adorning in round cheeks. Instead of paying me any attention he was completely gawking at my buddy. 

“Earth to Sulker” I said waving my hand between them. I glanced at Tyler, and he had an expression I almost couldn’t read on his face. He looked angry, embarrassed, and flustered at the same time.

“Should I let yo-” 

“What are you doing here?” Tyler finally spoke up. Finally pulling his gaze to the floor. 

“I’m allowed to sit where I please”  Sulker said still looking at Tyler. 

“Let’s leave you in the mud then. Come on Terrin” Tyler simply turned and walked away. I figured something was up, so I dropped my curiosity on the stalker and followed Tyler. 

Sulker was still watching us as we walked away. We didn’t even speak until we were five minutes past that tree. Tyler looked lost in his own world like he was battling some thoughts in his head. The way he does when he accidentally calls my mom “mom” after she gives him. 

“So do I get to know the juicy backstory about you and sulker?” I asked bumping shoulders with Tyler. 

“He’s not important. He just someone I used to…. Nevermind forget about that idiot I just wanna get out of the cold” With that Tyler shoved his hands in his pockets and sped up. 

If I can’t get Tyler to tell me, I’ll just have to ask Mr. Sulker.