Dani trudged down the corridor, her backpack weighing heavily on her small frame, though not as much as the dread in her heart. She kept her eyes on the ground, avoiding the gaze of the boys gathered by the lockers. Ethan, with his tousled hair and confident smirk, caught sight of her and exchanged glances with his friends. "Hey, look who's here!" he called out, his voice dripping with mockery.
Dani picked at her lunch, her appetite lost amidst the whispers she could feel directed at her. Maya, her only friend, slid into the seat across from her, concern etched on her face. "Are they bothering you again?" she asked softly. "I just don't get it," Dani replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I haven't done anything to them."
Dani stood by the swings, her heart pounding as Ethan and his friends approached. "Why so quiet, Dani?" Ethan taunted, circling her like a predator. Dani clenched her fists, determined not to let her fear show. Mr. Thompson, the ever-watchful gym teacher, observed from a distance, his brows furrowing.
Principal Harris, a stern but fair woman, sat across from Dani and her mother, Mrs. Johnson. "We've received reports of bullying," she began, her voice calm yet firm. Dani felt a mix of relief and trepidation as her mother squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We just want it to stop," Mrs. Johnson stated, her voice steady.
Ethan stood apart from his friends, his expression thoughtful after his meeting with Principal Harris. Maya joined Dani by the swings, offering a comforting smile. "Things will get better," she assured her. Dani nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders as she realized she wasn't alone.
Dani walked home with Maya, the path lined with fallen leaves crunching underfoot. "Thanks for being there for me," she said, gratitude evident in her voice. "Always," Maya replied, linking her arm through Dani's as they continued down the road, the world around them slowly growing quieter, at peace with the night.
