The dirty cream-colored tile

felt cool against her back

like the leather seats in a bus

going back to school after a long winter break.

Ashley unzipped her lunch bag,

searching for the bag of lays

that popped open and echoed

through all of the empty stalls.

The muffled voices of students in the cafeteria

could be heard through the thin wall

she leaned back against.

 

Her friends struggled over the decision

of which snack they wanted to trade,

passing up on the school lunch.

The watery day old mashed potatoes

could be smelt across the cafeteria.

Echoing voices of students  

filled the crowded space.

 

Her friend asked each other where was she sitting

Someone had noticed her from across the cafeteria

retreating into the bathroom

because each seat was claimed by a lunchbag

saving someone’s seat

or somebody else who was more focused

on wiping the grease off their pizza.