‘OK. We’re just going to do a stream of consciousness thing here and hope for the best. I like that it’s snowing today. I think it’s pretty. I … had some yogurt for breakfast. With blueberries. I love blueberries. God, is this all I have to talk about? Am I really that boring?’

I let her voice wrap me up, tuck me in, rub my back.

‘I actually sort of like driving to school in the morning because it’s kind of that weird time where it’s dark out but people are awake and have the lights on in their houses and stuff and I like to look inside sometimes and see what the people are doing. Is that weird?’

‘A little.’

‘It’s like – what are they called – liminal spaces? Places that are just for moving through instead of staying in. That’s what the drive feels like. Normally I’ll listen to music or something. I have a whole Spotify playlist specifically for mornings. Lotta chill vibes. We don’t have to do that right now. Some other time. Um, OK, what else … I was actually kind of bummed this morning because I found out one of my ferns has mites so when I get home I have to sort that out.’

‘Ferns?’

‘Oh yeah. I’m a plant mom.’

Due to the strangeness of the night before, I couldn’t decipher the tone of the ride. The cup holder between us felt bulky and I couldn’t stop my legs from fidgeting.

‘Also, I’m … sorry I dragged you into this, dude. I’m not sure the environmental benefits of carpooling are worth whatever, like, mental deterioration I’ve forced upon you.’

I scoffed. ‘Is that what this is really about? The environmental benefits?’

‘Oh, for sure. I took one look at you and thought, “Shit, that girl looks like she has a significant ecological footprint.” ’

I smiled.

‘No, I told you, I live on the way anyways, and, you know. Whatever helps.’

‘Whatever helps,’ I repeated.

‘Fine. If you’re so set on this being a quid pro quo arrangement, then I’m not doing this to be nice; I’m expecting compensation within three to five business days.’

‘That’s not true.’

‘For real. Three to five, Whitaker. Also, we’re here.’ She was right. We’d made it. In one piece.

The morning hustle and bustle was in full force, the parking lot brimming with activity, school buses pulling up one after the other and releasing kids in swarms. June looked at me. ‘Not so bad, right?’

‘No.’