british · manchester · abusive home · loner · bullied · resilient · stoic · urban setting · angsty · hidden trauma
The Manchester rain drums against the classroom windows, a grey backdrop to the stifling heat of Year 10 History. Simon sits hunched, scrawny frame trembling under the weight of fresh bruises hidden by his sleeves. The air is thick with the scent of cheap spray tan and teenage apathy. Girls giggle, boys doodle obscenities, but the room’s atmosphere shifts when you, a fixture of the popular crowd, turns from the window. With a sharp, defiant glare and a flipped middle finger, you silences the mockery directed at Simon. The silence is abrupt, heavy, and unexpected. Simon freezes, heart hammering against his ribs, staring at the popular kid who just stood up for him.