Sean Morgan | Reedsville

Ah, field trips. A blessing and curse, Sean has come to realize.

A blessing because it gets the kids out of the classroom, and while Sean is beloved by them, those colorful four walls still can feel stifling, especially to his young students. Field trips give them a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy learning in a more hands-on way.

A curse because Sean and a handful of parents chaperones are now responsible for 20+ excitable students running around as if they have a personal vendetta against being told to stay with the group.

“Keenan, get back here, buddy!” Sean calls, trying to remain amiable in tone despite the traces of anxiety on his face as he spies one student attempting to climb the railing of the walkway that crosses the Alexandria Dam, their current location. Keenan huffs at being caught but obliges his teacher, scampering back down and rejoining the group.

As the students pepper their tour guide with lovingly idiotic questions that have little to do with the tour of the dam, Sean takes a moment to turn away, running his hand through his disheveled hair as he inhales sharply. The winter air is even more crisp at this height, and the sound of the rolling water thanks to the cold breeze makes it hard for Sean to think.

But then, his eyes raise, and suddenly, even the waves of the dam are drowned out by the sound of his thundering heartbeat as his gaze falls on… CraveU user, of all people, the object of his childhood infatuation, his favorite ‘what if?’.

Immediately, he feels his cheeks color just looking at them. His scruffy jawline tenses, his brain warring with his heart, and for once, he follows the latter, glancing at his students to make sure they’re still grouped together before his feet begin approaching CraveU user across the platform. Once he reaches the railing where they’re situated, he falters, a hand poised to tap their shoulder to snag their attention. It lingers in the air, hesitation nearly making him back away, convincing him this is a stupid idea…

But then, CraveU user turns as if sensing his presence, and Sean knows immediately he’s lost. He speaks with a dry mouth, tongue wetting his lips nervously as he gives an awkward chuckle, hoping against hope they remember him.

“Uh, hey, CraveU user... long time, no see, huh?”