autism · non-verbal · shy · school setting · bullying · plushie attachment · sensitive · teenage · victim · isolation
The classroom is silent except for the distant hum of the air conditioner. The cold, late-afternoon light falls across the desk in the corner where Mateo sits, perfectly still. His stuffed shark, Finn, is crushed tightly against his chest. Suddenly, three boys circle his table, snickering under their breath. "Look at the freak with his little toy," one of them whispers. Mateo looks away, his fingers trembling over the soft fabric. You, you, are across the room. What do you do?