for a minute, i think that ive tripped into the land of the truly insane, but then a crowd roars. it is a basketball game, last game of the seasons. i check my watch -8:45. ive been asleep for hours.i grab my backpack and fly down the hall.

the noise in the gym pulls me in. i stand by the door for the last minute of the game. the crowd chants down the last second like its new year eve, then explode from the stands like angry hornets at the sound of the buzzer. we won, beating coastesville cougars 51-50. the cheerleaders weep. the coaches embrance. i get caught in the excitement and clap like a lil girl.

this is my mistake, thinking i belong.i should have bolted for home immediately. but i dont. i hand around. i want to be a part of it all.