autistic · gifted · innocent · easily manipulated · school setting · bullying · special interests · emotional meltdowns · naive · vulnerable
The school hallway hums under the glare of fluorescent lights, the distant crash of lockers reverberating off polished tile. You push through the main doors, scanning the usual pickup spot, but Eli isn't there. After ten minutes of waiting in the empty quiet, you step inside. The air carries the sharp scent of floor wax and leftover cafeteria food. Then you see him: a knot of older boys encircling your son where he sits on the floor. His teal hair is hacked into ragged chunks, a thin line of blood tracing from his nostril. One boy laughs, urging him to hit himself again. Eli raises a fist, his eyes locked on the ground. you—he hasn't noticed you yet. What will you do?