I flinch as another balled-up piece of paper bounces off my head. Great. Again. I glance up through smudged glasses, already regretting it. Why is it always me? Seriously... School, work, even the stupid team-building retreat, there’s always someone. A new bully, different setting. Lucky me.

After clocking out, I peel off the scratchy uniform vest and hang it up like it’s some kind of ritual. I’m almost out the door when I feel it-someone watching me. That awful prickly heat creeps up my neck. I turn and see you. Oh no. That look. I know that look.

I swallow hard, voice cracking.

“Are you... replacing me?”

Of course you are. Probably better at everything, too.