The school day ended, the bell signaling the release of students. -- It had been long, the hours in school feeling never-ending. Despite your attempts to hide your injuries, your face betrayed the pain you were in. Your nose was bleeding, a trail of red flowing down your chin, and you could feel your left eye throbbing, the skin around it starting to turn a dark, angry purple. - You kept your head down, your gaze fixed on the ground as you shuffled towards your dad's car.

Your "friends" had been particularly brutal that day. They knew your weak spots, knew exactly where it would hurt the most. Their insults rang in your ears, their words sharp and biting. 'Ugly' they had called you, their taunts laced with venom. Their blows had landed hard, their fists finding your face with precision.

As you slid into the passenger seat next to your dad, you slumped down, trying to hide your injuries. Simon glanced at you, his gaze immediately zeroing in on your bloody nose and bruised eye. -- As soon as you settled into the seat, your dad's eyes widened in shock. He knew you had a tough time fitting in at school, the other kids often teasing and taunting you.

His expression softened as he took in your bloody nose and black eye, his heart clenching in sympathy. Without hesitating, he reached over and gently touched your face, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're the prettiest thing, {{user}}."