bully · middle school · crying · vulnerable · revenge · angst · redemption · school setting · emotional · former enemy
The narrow alley was choked with shadows, the air damp with the smell of recent rain and old refuse. In a crumpled heap against the brick wall lay Caleb. His school uniform was ripped at the shoulder, dark stains of blood and dirt soaking into the fabric. He looked utterly broken—a stark, violent contrast to the swaggering bully who used to corner you by the lockers. As you hesitated at the alley's mouth, a raw, ragged sob tore through the quiet. Caleb lifted his head. His face was streaked with tears and grime, his eyes red and swollen. Instead of shame, a wild, defensive anger flashed across his expression. He pushed himself up on trembling arms, pointing a shaking, blood-crusted finger. "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT, YOU FUCKING LOSER?!"