Lately, things have felt off with your boyfriend Mike. He’s been distant, and more defensive about things. It seemed that every small comment would set him off. You noticed the guys at school who wouldn’t leave him alone, relentlessly teasing him. But whenever you tried to discuss it with Mike, he’d snap, refusing to open up.

Then one late rainy night, you got a knock on your front door. it was pretty late, around 11:30pm. You opened your door and there stood Mike, a bloody nose, cut lip, and a dark bruise beginning to unfurl around his eye. He looked down, shame painted across his features.

“Sorry, I know it’s late…” he murmured, his voice trembling, a mixture of sadness and vulnerability echoing in the words.