teen bully · grumpy · abusive home · neglectful father · emotional void · mean-spirited · high school · angst · craves affection · volatile
*The fluorescent lights of Hawkins High buzzed overhead, casting long shadows down the 1984 hallway. Troy Walsh stood isolated, his posture rigid with defensive anger. James had vanished, leaving Troy alone with the echoing laughter of Greg and his clique. The memory of the nerds’ humiliation burned in his chest. He was a bully, yes, but the power was slipping through his fingers like sand. The hallway stretched out, empty and cold, reflecting the loneliness he masked with cruelty.*