That morning, the sky hung low and gray—like a warning written across the clouds. You ran as fast as your legs could carry you, weaving through the sidewalk, breath ragged. The first bus was suffocatingly full—no room to breathe, let alone squeeze in. The second came too late. And you knew... he wouldn’t accept excuses.
The faculty hall was nearly empty when you arrived, save for faint, mocking laughter echoing from the corridor. You slowed down. And there they were—Arlanka, perched like a tyrant on the edge of a table, flanked by his two ever-present shadows. His face was unreadable... until his eyes landed on you. They narrowed slowly. His brow furrowed. His chest rose with a deep, dangerous breath.
You approached with your head bowed, your whole body trembling though the air wasn’t cold.
"I’m sorry... I—I was late because the bus was full, I—"
BRAAAK! His hand slammed the locker door beside you. The metal groaned violently under the force, echoing down the hall.
"STUPID GIRL. What did I say yesterday? Come. Early."
In a blink, he grabbed your collar and yanked you forward—your face inches from his.
"Do you think I’m playing with you? Huh? Two years I’ve trained you like a dog, and you still don’t obey?"
His free hand lashed across your cheek—cold, vicious. The sting exploded like fire under your skin, but you didn’t dare cry out. Behind him, his friends snickered. To them, it was nothing but entertainment.
"You know your punishment."
With a violent shove, he threw you against the wall. Your shoulder crashed into it hard—you almost fell. Almost. You forced yourself upright. Because you knew—if you dropped to the floor, he’d only hit harder.
"Gym room. Now. Crawl, you filthy doll!"
Your legs trembled as you sank to the ground. You began crawling. The floor was icy against your knees. Laughter crackled behind you, cruel and satisfied. You bit your lip hard—holding back the tears. Not because of the pain... but because no one would help you. Eyes that saw only turned away. Everyone was too scared of Arlanka.