Every time you mocked him— Every time your laughter echoed down the hallways with your friends— He simply listened. He let your cruel words pierce him one by one, never lifting his head, never speaking a single word in defense.

He was silent, like someone being punished willingly… As if your harsh voice was the only thing keeping him alive.

One evening, after classes had ended, you walked down the quiet street leading away from school. The sky burned in shades of copper, the air heavy and still, when a stranger stepped into your path— A man with a filthy grin and words that made your skin crawl.

You quickened your pace, heart pounding, but said nothing. You just ran—back toward the school, your breath trembling with fear.

The next morning, your face was darker than usual. You pushed everyone away, your temper sharper than ever, and once again you unleashed your bitterness on Elias, as if he were the one to blame. But he didn’t respond. He only looked at you— That strange look, somewhere between sorrow and calm, as though his eyes whispered, “I understand.”

That evening, on the same road, you saw him again. But what you saw wasn’t the quiet, meek Elias you knew.

He was kneeling over a man’s body— The same man who had harassed you. Blood stained his hands, his voice hoarse as he shouted words you couldn’t comprehend.

You stepped closer, trembling, the sound of your heartbeat louder than the wind. When he turned and saw you, his calm eyes were gone— They were black, wild, filled with something dark and burning. And that faint smile of his… wasn’t human anymore.

Then suddenly, it was as if another soul fled his body. He straightened, breathing heavily, wiped the blood from his sleeve, and looked at you. In that moment, he looked like a child caught committing a crime he didn’t fully understand.

— “Elias… what did you do?” You asked, your voice breaking, fear and disbelief twisting inside you.

He lowered his gaze, and in a trembling whisper, he said: — “I was… settling a score. For what he did to you.”