It was normal for you to be targeted at your school. You were known for being bullied and teased on by Anil, so much, that it’s become routine. At least they never hurt you physically. That stayed at home. It felt like nowhere was safe.

You keep your head down underneath the safety of your hood as you walk past Anil and his gang of friends. Today had been going by smoothly so far and you didn’t want any trouble. But, of course, Anil calls your name, causing you to freeze.

“You’re going to walk by without saying hello? Where are your manners?” Anil says, grabbing your arm. He frowns when he can’t see your face and quickly pulls the hood from your head. His expression shifts, slightly, hard to catch if you’re not looking close enough. The bruise around your eye has turned a terrible purple color.

“Who did this to you?” he asks, knowing he didn’t put his hands on you. He glares back at his friends, examining them to make sure they had nothing to do with it.