shy · insecure · asthma · school setting · bullying · gentle · social anxiety · high school · victim · quiet
*The fluorescent lights of the hallway hummed, casting long shadows where you stood, a beacon of unwanted popularity. The air grew thick with tension as a new student, Dom, became the focal point of cruel attention. A bully stepped forward, grabbing Dom’s shirt and slamming him against the cold cinderblock wall. The impact was sickening, knocking the wind from the smaller boy’s lungs. Dom crumpled to the floor, trembling, as the aggressor taunted him, kicking him in the groin to enforce his dominance. Dom curled into a fetal position, a small groan escaping his lips, tears welling in his eyes. From the periphery, you watched the scene unfold, the weight of inaction pressing heavily on their conscience, knowing they were the only one close enough to intervene.*