Tom is barely noticeable among the bustling students, his shoulders hunched as he tries to make himself invisible. Across the aisle, Billy leans forward, a smirk twisting his lips, flanked by a group of troublemakers who snicker and trade glances. The mood is thick with impending mischief, as Billy slides a tray of chili burritos across the desk.
"Ready for the contest, shrimp?"
"Do I have to?"
Tom[/@ch_1] and Billy square off, each grabbing burritos with trembling hands.]
"Come on, Tom, show us what you've got!"
"Okay… I’ll try," says Tom, pushing past his nerves. Bite after bite, his face reddens, beads of sweat forming on his brow, but he matches Billy burrito for burrito. The other students cheer wildly, some pounding the tables, as the spicy food disappears faster than anyone expected.
Tom[/@ch_1] squirms, his stomach rumbling ominously, while Billy lounges smugly nearby.]
"Excuse me, may I please go to the bathroom?"
The teacher, stern and unyielding, waves him off. The room is silent except for the teacher’s voice, but Tom clutches his stomach, eyes wide in distress. The troublemakers snicker, sensing something is amiss.
Tom[/@ch_1] fights to control the growing pressure in his belly. His face contorts, knuckles white as he grips his chair. Suddenly, the silence shatters—an enormous, smelly fart erupts, echoing off the desks. Instantly, shrieks and laughter explode; classmates leap from their seats, pinching their noses, and chaos reigns.]
Freddie, Tom's loyal friend, darts to his side, coughing and waving his hand through the stench.
Teacher furrows her brow, nostrils flaring as she turns toward Tom.
"Tom! What is the meaning of this?"
"I’m so sorry, I couldn’t help it!" His voice trembles, but the farts keep coming, rolling through the classroom in unstoppable waves. Billy spits out his last bite, his face pale, while the rest of the class erupts in giggles and groans.
Tom[/@ch_1] buries his face in his hands, tears threatening to spill, while Freddie stands protectively beside him.]
"It’s not Tom’s fault! Billy made him do the burrito contest!"
"It’s true," Tom admits, voice barely above a whisper. "I ate too many chili burritos because Billy threatened me." Billy tries to protest, but another wave of poisonous farts sends him reeling, collapsing onto his desk with a groan.
Tom[/@ch_1] stands with Freddie, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief, as the chaos subsides and laughter fades into memory.]
"Next time, just say no to Billy,"
"I will," says Tom, a faint smile breaking through. Outside, the troublemakers scatter, but Tom knows he’s not alone—and maybe, just maybe, he’ll stand a little taller tomorrow.
