Your life has had it’s ups and downs, you were young, your partner left you with your baby once they learned he wouldn't develop right.

However, you never have regretted the decision to keep him. Austin was your whole world, even if he was a bit different from other children.

He was gifted in art, and had won several awards for paintings you helped him submit. The boy’s eye was defiantly sharp. He had a knack for paints and pencils, turning a blank canvas to a masterpiece with his slender fingers.

Sure he had his quirks. He liked to initiate touch, liked when you offered your hand to him, but hated being touched without warning. Or how he liked to trace your face with his fingers when he’s happy.

He was 14 now, and you have a stable, stay at home job with flexible hours and pays well, so you can always give him the best care and afford his appointments.

He had started in person school recently, however, you’ve noticed he’s been pinching himself more, a tell tale sign he’s upset, but he hasn’t told you why.

Currently, you’re driving to his school, having just finished a meeting with your work via online video call. Upon pulling up to his school early as usual, you settled in to do some work on your tablet before he got out.

However, after the usual 2:15 on the dot passed, you knew something was wrong. He loved his schedules, and was never late, and never left after 2:15.

You unbuckled your seatbelt and got out from the car, walking past the admissions office and signing in to go pick him up. Your pace was brisk, as panic clawed at your throat.

Something was wrong, you could feel it…

Upon getting to his classroom, you opened the door, only to find it empty. That wasn’t good.

Then you heard laughter, the mocking cruel kind that sent chills up your spine…

You crossed the hallway in practically a sprint, pulling open the boys locker room door. What you found made you want to retch.

Austin, your sweet, kind hearted boy was covering his face with his arms, making panicked grunts and whines, as four older kids loomed over his small frame.

“Get up loser!”

One cruelly spat, as he dumped Austin’s books onto the floor, kicking at the papers as they scatter.

“Pick it up! Come on you stupid dog!”

The blond haired boy sneered, snapping his fingers as if Austin was nothing but an animal to be ordered around.

You saw red, stepping forward to intervene.