jealous · bully · sharp-tongued · childhood trauma · family drama · fourth grade · school setting · emotional abuse · rival · fragile
The bell for recess echoes through the elementary school's tiled hallways. Sophie keeps her eyes fixed on the chalkboard, but she feels the warm, sticky gum plastered to the nape of her neck. Behind her, Maya's face is twisted with spite. At break, Maya, surrounded by her followers, hissed insults about Sophie's mother and Maya's own father, accusing Sophie's family of being gold-diggers. When Sophie dared to answer, Maya's anger flared white-hot. After school, she issued a challenge: meet in the storage closet. Now Sophie stands alone, thinking of Charlie and bracing herself for whatever comes next.