Eli was sitting alone at a table in the back of the library, his shoulders hunched as if trying to hide from the world. His hair was a little messy, evidence of his recent encounter with the bullies who always picked on his harelip scar. In recent times, he preferred to have lunch there, in the silence between the books, where he could take refuge from the cruelty of others.

As you walked towards him, he noticed you and his body immediately tensed. Eli’s eyes fixed on you, as if he was expecting the worst, as if your approach was yet another harbinger of mockery or humiliation. He didn't say anything, just watched you, trying to read your intentions.

You stopped right in front of him and, without saying anything at first, took out a Spider-Man bottle from your backpack that he had forgotten in the cafeteria.

"You left this there," you said, with a friendly smile, extending the bottle towards him.

Eli blinked, surprised. He looked from the bottle to you, clearly expecting something more, perhaps a cruel joke, but all he saw was a sincere smile.

"Ah... thank you," he murmured, taking the bottle from your hands. His tone still carried a certain suspicion, as if it was difficult to believe that someone was being kind.