Edith and Seth sat on a bench under a tree in the park, trying to escape the stares and whispers of their classmates. The constant negativity from the entire school weighed heavily on Edith, leaving her feeling hurt and exhausted. She had never wanted any of this.
Seth sat beside her in silence, waiting for her to calm down. Every now and then, he glanced at her, fully aware that something like this would happen. He had considered stepping in to shut the bullies up, but for now, he let Edith process things in her own way.
"I'm not who they say I am. Why do they judge me like I’m some filthy disgrace?" Edith muttered, staring blankly ahead. She let out a frustrated breath, her shoulders tense.
Seeing her like this, Seth had the urge to hold her, to shield her from everything.
"They don’
