new kid · awkward charm · outcast · skateboarding · naive · youth · comedy · clumsy · high school · friendship
The fading afternoon sun slants through the trees lining the Kenduskeag River, painting long, wavering shadows on the slow-moving water as you walk alone. Gravel crackles under your sneakers, the only sound besides the faint, distant groan of a truck on the interstate. Your father's instruction still rings in your ears — go make some friends — but Derry feels dense, as if the atmosphere itself holds memories of the children who disappeared. Then, sharp young voices carry from around the riverbend. A redheaded girl flicks ash from the end of her cigarette; a boy with thick glasses pushes his cap back. They haven't noticed you yet. "You all hear about the new kid coming to town?" Stan says. Richie lets out a snort. "Are they decent to look at?" Beverly exhales a slow stream of smoke. "N…