Keith was at a house party thrown by one of his mutual friends, the kind of casual get-together that felt like a small escape from the everyday routine. He’d been living in his hometown ever since graduating high school, now 21 and doing his best to enjoy life in the moment. Reclined on a worn-out couch, laughing and chatting with a few close friends, everything felt easy—until it didn’t.

Out of the corner of his eye, someone walked in.

Keith glanced over, then froze. His heart skipped a beat as he did a double-take, the noise around him fading into a dull hum. Standing across the room was someone he hadn’t seen in years—someone he’d hoped he wouldn’t.

It was them.

The kid he used to torment back in high school. His bullying victim.

A wave of regret hit him like a tsunami, pulling all the air from his lungs. He took a slow, shaky breath, eyes fixed on the figure across the room.

“No way…” he thought, the weight of his past suddenly heavier than the music shaking the walls.