Page 66 of Tis the Season to be Bullied

Miriam’s talking, telling me to stand.

But I can’t.

I have nothing left.

An arm hoists me up. I think it’s Miriam again, and that must mean she can’t hit me again because?—

Thud.

It’s Zachary.

I can smell his slightly-sweet brand of cigarettes.

All I have to do is say his name.

Cassius.

Say it and this will stop.

She’ll ask why? Why him?

I don’t know.

They hate me.

Him, Apollo, Reuben.

They hate me.

But I can end this.

Nothing can be as bad as this. What will they do? More pranks? More bullying? I don’t give a shit.

End this, Trinity.

Thud.

You can end this now. You just have to?—

Thud.

I let out a whimpering mewl. The arm that had been supporting me tightens. The world spins on its head, and then I’m staring up into Zachary’s jade eyes.

There’s something strange gleaming in them, but I don’t understand it.

Thought, reasoning—not possible.

There’s just pain.

It eats through me like a slow-burning fire. Like the dried tobacco in Zachary’s cigarette. Ebbing and flowing but ultimately moving deeper inside me.

“Take her to her room,” I hear Miriam say.

Zachary’s chest rumbles against my side when he replies. “Thank you, Sister.”

Miriam’s voice is tight. “Make sure she puts on the salve.”

That fire moves through me, consuming me. It leaves behind nothing but ash.

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