That weekend, Tyler called and asked if he could come over.
Emma said yes. But only after she came downstairs and checked that Daniel and I would both be home.
“I want you there,” she told us. “But I want to talk first. Okay? Don’t say anything until I’m done.”
“Deal,” Daniel said.
Tyler arrived on Saturday afternoon. He was wearing the navy blue sweatshirt again.
He looked nervous. More nervous than he’d been at dinner. He kept wiping his palms on his jeans.
We all sat down in the living room. Daniel and I took the couch. Emma and Tyler sat across from us, in the two armchairs by the fireplace.
Jacob had been sent to his friend’s house down the street. He’d complained the whole way.
Emma took a deep breath.
“Tyler, I need to know something.”
He nodded. “Okay.”
“Did you really think my arms were ugly?”
He looked down at the carpet.
“No,” he said.
“Then why did you say they looked like a man’s?”
He swallowed hard. I could see his Adam’s apple move.
“Because the guys kept talking about them.”
“You already told me that.”
“I know.”
Emma didn’t say anything. She just waited.
Tyler rubbed his palms against his jeans. Back and forth. Back and forth.
“They’ve been messing with me about my skin for a long time,” he said finally. “Since eighth grade. Every time I think they’ve forgotten about it, somebody starts it up again. In the locker room. On the bus to away games. Brandon took a picture of my arm once and posted it.”
Then he reached over with his right hand, and he slowly pulled up his left sleeve. Just a few inches.
There were red, irritated patches all along the inside of his forearm. Some of them looked cracked. Some looked like they’d bled a little.
“I hate it when people look at it,” he said quietly.
Emma looked at his arm.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.