“On the Bridge”By Todd Strasser

Vocabulary

fraud

Deceit; trickery; imposter.

Noun

“Seth had decided to wear it anyway, but he felt like a fraud.”

authentically

Not false or copied; genuine; real.

Adverb

“On the other hand, Adam’s leather jacket looked authentically old and worn.”

pliant

Easily bendable or flexible.

Adjective

“The right sleeve was ripped and the leather was creased and pliant.”

abutments

A structure that supports and arch or beam.

Noun

“Its heavy stone abutments stood close to the cars that sped past on the highway beneath it.”

sly

Secretive; mischievous.

Adjective

“Adam glanced at him with a sly smile.”

awestruck

Filled with wonder or admiration.

Adjective

“Seth was awestruck.”

smirked

To smile in a stuck-up or offensive way.

Verb

“Seth smirked. It figured. It was just his luck to be born without the touch that made truckers blow their horns.”

momentarily

For a brief moment.

Adverb

“Her car swerved momentarily.”

spasm

A sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.

Noun

“Seth could feel a spasm in his chest as his lungs cried for air.”

clamped

To close tightly shut.

Verb

“But he clamped his mouth closed.”