THE BULLY'S CAPTIVE

The mirror showed Maya Morles a reflection of dread, not anticipation. Today was the day she started college, a new chapter she wished remained unwritten. Her stomach churned, a knot of fear tightening with every beat of her heart.

She was Maya Morles, an introvert, a scaredy-cat, a girl who found solace in the quiet world of books and the safe embrace of her family. The outside world had always been a battlefield, one where she was relentlessly targeted for being 'different,' 'too quiet,' 'too fat.'

Her parents, witnessing her suffering, had made the difficult decision to homeschool her until college. And now, here she was, standing at the precipice of a new beginning, terrified of the blank pages ahead. A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts. Her mother stood there, eyes full of understanding. Maya clung to her, a silent plea escaping her trembling lips.

"Mom, I don't want to go. They'll bully me again. They'll call me names, I can't... please, I can't," she begged, her voice a fragile whisper. Her mother held her tight, her hand soothing her back. "How long are you going to keep feeling this way, Maya? You're my beautiful daughter. No one will call you anything, baby. It's a new city, a new college. Let's start fresh, okay? We believe in you."

Her mother's words stung, echoing her own insecurities. She felt like a pathetic loser, incapable of facing the world. Yet, she nodded, forcing a weak smile. "Let's go. I won't disappoint you this time." The words were a lie, a shield to protect her family from her despair. She clutched her backpack, the weight of her fears heavy on her shoulders, as they walked downstairs.