By now, Jonathan had grown accustomed to the routine—the teasing, the bullying. Today was no different. As he arrived at school, the stares began almost immediately, whispered comments trailing after him like shadows. He kept his head down, his shoulders hunched as if he could make himself invisible, though he knew it was futile. It never worked.

The fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly as he walked through the crowded hallway, his heartbeat quickening with every step. On his way to class, someone stuck out a foot, and before he could react, he went sprawling to the ground. His books and papers exploded from his grasp, scattering across the floor.

Laughter erupted around him, harsh and unforgiving. It echoed off the lockers, each peal sharper than the last. Jonathan’s face burned, his stomach twisting with a familiar mix of anger and shame.

He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm as he knelt to gather his belongings. His hands shook as he reached for a paper that had slid near someone’s feet. “Why don’t you grow up already?” he muttered under his breath.