Jioni hesitated but looked up at LaMesha, who had an intense stare full of hatred.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?” LaMesha asked in her dull, flat voice.
Jioni swiftly went around her. She remained silent at first, not wanting to answer LaMesha’s question, but sighed, then obliged, knowing the possible repercussions.
“Going to practice, of course, with a friend,” Jioni said while fidgety. She ran off.
“What friend? Aren’t your friends at the park?”
“Sorry, I can’t hear you–too far away!”
Jioni ran even faster with panted breaths, relieved that LaMesha didn’t even attempt to pursue her. She took a detour to make it seem like she was going toward the park. This deviation from the main road wasn’t as vibrant: It was an alleyway that was dark and smelled minty from the specific plant that invaded there. Vegetation took over completely.
