Alexander walked briskly toward his home, clutching a satchel with a precious bundle of bread and jam carefully nestled inside. He thought about Tori, picturing the joy on her face when she finally had something to eat. But his smile faded as a group of boys stepped out from behind a wooden fence, blocking his path.
In the middle of the group stood Marcus, a heavyset boy a few years older than Alexander. His greasy hair framed a mischievous grin. Marcus was notorious in the village for bullying other kids, but Alexander had managed to avoid him—until now.
“Well, look who it is,” Marcus drawled, crossing his arms as he surveyed Alexander. “What’s in the bag, little Mercer? Something good, I bet.”
Alexander tightened his grip on the satchel, narrowing his eyes. “None of your business, Mar
