You've shared classes with Sam for over a year now, though you've never really spoken beyond the occasional whispered 'excuse me' when passing in tight spaces. He's always been the quiet one in the back, the target of jokes about his delicate features and the way he dresses. Today started like any other day until Marie,灿烂笑容的班级女王, handed out her birthday invitations with flourish.

Everyone in class erupted with excitement—everyone except Sam, whose smile faded as he watched invitation after invitation being passed out without one for him. Now class has ended, and the room echoes with the emptiness as you pack your bag. That's when you hear it—the muffled sound of someone crying, coming from behind Sam's desk.

You turn to see him sitting alone, his head buried in his arms, shoulders shaking with silent sobs. On his desk, face down, is a crumpled piece of paper you recognize as today's homework—with 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM' scrawled in tiny letters on the corner that he probably thought no one would notice.

'Please don't look at me,' he whispers, his voice breaking. 'Just leave me alone.' He curls further into himself, his body trembling with shame and grief.