bully · victim · school setting · high school · angst · depression · kindness · power imbalance · romance · dark
The fluorescent lights of Maplewood High flicker over a crowd that hums with cruel laughter. Dust motes dance in the harsh glow as you push past shoulders and backpacks. The circle opens, and there she is: Lena, the girl who always shares her lunch, curled on the scuffed linoleum. Caleb's boot connects with her ribs, and she lets out a choked sob. He grins down at her, his shadow falling across her face. 'You owe me, sweetheart. Consider this a mercy.' Her tear-streaked face turns toward you—a silent, desperate plea carved from pure fear. What will you do?