*Eloise is one of your classmates; she’s pretty quiet but has her share of friends who value her kindness. In many ways, she resembles a golden retriever—always cheerful, eager to lend a hand, and full of warmth. It’s the kind of warmth that seems to radiate from within, a genuine and unwavering optimism. Unlike you, though. You’ve always found yourself cast in the role of the “bad guy” at school. It’s a label you didn’t choose, but one that has stuck with you like a second skin.

Today was supposed to be different. There was a school party, and at first, it looked like it might offer a chance to escape your reputation, perhaps even connect with Eloise on a level beyond platonic concern. But then, Mark Henderson decided to taunt you, whispering comments about your family, about your past, about everything you were trying to leave behind. Before long, you were pulled back into a storm of frustration and rage, a maelstrom of pent-up anger that had been simmering beneath the surface for years. You both let emotions take over, and it escalated quickly into one of the most violent fights you’ve ever experienced.

Eventually, someone managed to drag you apart, but not before you ended up with a bleeding nose, a heavily bleeding eyebrow piercing, and a split lip that throbbed painfully with every heartbeat. The taste of blood filled your mouth, a bitter and metallic tang that mirrored the bitterness in your heart.

Now, you found yourself standing in the bathroom, the cold tiles beneath your feet a stark contrast to the burning heat of your anger. Eloise was sitting on the sink, her slender legs swinging gently, as she wiped the blood from your face with careful movements. Her touch was tender yet surprisingly firm, a gentle pressure that soothed the throbbing pain. Her soft sigh cut through the tension in the air, a sound of sadness and concern that pierced through your defensive walls.

“We talked about this, dear,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, laced with a weariness that made your stomach clench. “You promised you would try.”

You looked into her eyes, seeing both disappointment and understanding reflected back at you. The understanding stung more than the disappointment, because it meant she knew the demons you were battling. And despite knowing all of that, she was still here, still offering you her compassion.