1 1:A Shattered World

In the dimly lit bedroom of Rion Thompson, the atmosphere was heavy with neglect. The cluttered and musty space reflected the years of mistreatment Rion had endured. His life seemed to echo the room's disarray and dimness.

Rion's thoughts were a cascade of desolation: "My life... a constant reminder of how trash everything is.... Sometimes, I wonder if anyone sees the real me.... but even if they do, I don't think I care anymore..."

The alarm clock's blare broke through the darkness, announcing the arrival of 6:45 a.m.

"Ah, not again... I'm going to miss the bus," Rion mumbled, his voice tinged with resignation. He gathered himself begrudgingly, preparing for the day ahead. "Deep breaths, Rion... just keep it together." With his backpack in hand, he descended the stairs, his steps heavy.

In the family kitchen downstairs, the walls bore the marks of time's weariness, and the air seemed to sag under its own weight. Rion's mother, Mrs. Thompson stood at the stove with a distant gaze, lost in thought as she stirred a pot absentmindedly. Mr. Thompson, Rion's father, sat at the table, a bottle of vodka in hand despite the early hour.

"Rion, you're late for school again?" Mr. Thompson's voice held a hint of frustration.

"Yes, I get it... like you always say, 'a man always late is early for pain'," Rion replied, his tone tinged with weariness. Mrs. Thompson glanced over her shoulder as Mr. Thompson began to remove his belt, a scene that played out all too often.

By 7:45 a.m., Rion walked the corridors of his high school, a sea of laughter and camaraderie surrounding him. He kept his gaze lowered, attempting to blend into the background.

Rion's internal monologue continued: "The halls echo with their laughter... as if they're a bunch of carefree chickens clucking along. It's like an invisible wall separates me from everyone else."

At his locker, Rion leaned against the wall. A group of bullies led by Kyle, a menacing figure, approached. Rion had grown all too accustomed to their presence.

"Hey, loser! Look who's here, guys! It's Rion the peon!" Kyle's jeering voice rang out, drawing attention.

Kyle shoved Rion against the lockers, causing his books to scatter. Students watched, some amused, others indifferent.

"What's wrong, Rion? Can't defend yourself?" Kyle taunted. "Maybe you'd like to eat your lunch out of the toilet again? I'd be more than happy to oblige!"

Finally fed up, Rion found the courage to challenge his tormentor: "That's enough! I'm tired of your constant crap. Nobody cares, but I've had it! Take this!"

With a surge of defiance, Rion spat in Kyle's face, a daring act of rebellion.

Taken aback for a moment, Kyle wiped the spit away, his anger flaring: "You'll pay for that, Rion! Meet me in the courtyard after school. We'll settle this once and for all!"

Panicked, Rion rushed through the rest of the day in a haze of terror, his mind preoccupied with what awaited him. The final bell rang, signaling the end of school. Trembling but resolute, Rion made his way to the courtyard.

The rain began to fall, mirroring the emotions Rion wished he could shed. As he took a seat on a bench, the rain seemed to wash away some of his anxiety.

"There must be more to life than this... a chance to break free from these chains. I won't let their prejudices hold me back," Rion whispered, his voice determined.

He looked up at the rainy sky, clenching his fists as he prepared for what lay ahead.

"No more... I won't let them break me. Today, things change. I have to stand up... and maybe, just maybe, they'll respect me or leave me alone," Rion resolved.

Rain continued to pour as Rion waited anxiously, his heart pounding with both fear and newfound determination. As 30 minutes passed, he began to wonder if Kyle had forgotten.

Then, a voice cut through the rain: "Well, well, look who showed up!"

Kyle emerged, flanked by his goons, a sinister smile on his face. In his hand gleamed a knife, casting a chilling shadow over Rion.

"Thought you could spit in my face and get away with it, huh? Sucks for you, Rion," Kyle sneered.

Undeterred, Rion stood his ground, rain soaking his face, mirroring his resolve.

"I'm done being your punching bag, Kyle. Today, it ends," Rion declared, his voice unwavering.