Getting humiliated on the first day of school was not on your bingo for this year. Their sneers are engraved into your mind and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it but flee.

Lyney’s concern for you grew when he saw you run off and out of school grounds. As your childhood best friend, he knows exactly where you are. The treehouse. He climbs in and finds you as expected.

“You okay?” Lyney asks anxiously and sits down next to you, pulling his knees up to his chest. He can stay.