uncured

just somebody

Some people grew up surrounded by love. I grew up learning how to survive without it. I always thought life would eventually get better, that everything was going to be okay in the end, and if it's not okay, it's not the end. But as life goes by, I started to realize that maybe life was never meant to be good for me. What I wanted was just somebody to love me, but I never got that; instead, I always got what I never wanted.

My name is Oliver. I am 16 years old high school kid, and I am single with no friends. I grew up in the United States of America, California. I am a kid who always wanted to experience true love but gets my heart broken each time.

I wanted to feel like a normal high school teen, trying to blend in, but I always get rejected. I have been studying like crazy for my exams so I can get a scholarship to Stanford University and become an entrepreneur. It's the best university in the world; that's why I need to get the highest grades possible. But at least I have a best friend, James, who supports me in all ways. He's the best friend a guy can ever have. He fights for me and protects me just like a senior brother would. His mom died in a car crash, and he lives with his grandma. His father died a long time ago. But he is friendly, kind, and rich, so he always gets whatever he wants, and he is always praised. Sometimes I get jealous and hope one day I will be better than him.

Let's skip the talk about my life. Tomorrow is the first day of senior high, and I am frightened. I am always the nerd that gets bullied and can't stand up for himself. That night, I lay awake longer than I should have, staring at the ceiling and wondering if tomorrow would finally be different.

My alarm went off at 6:00 a.m., cutting through the silence of my room. I stared at the ceiling, already exhausted, my heart racing like it already knew what kind of day was waiting for me. I stayed in bed for a few seconds, listening to the sound of my own breathing.

No voices. No warmth. Just silence.

I got up, washed my face, and avoided looking at myself for too long. Today was the first day of senior high. I told myself it would be different. I always did.

My eyes fell on the necklace resting on the table. My aunt gave it to me on my seventh birthday. She died of a heart attack not long after, and the necklace was the only thing she left behind.

I stared at it for a long time. When I wore it, I remembered how it felt to be loved—something I hadn't felt since she was gone.

I put on the necklace and began getting ready for school. I drifted into the kitchen in a hurry, not wanting to be late. I opened the fridge, took out a plate of rice porridge, and microwaved it. I gulped it down—too fast, too hot—then rushed out of the house, almost forgetting to lock the door.

The school bus was waiting just outside. The moment I stepped in, a heavy tension settled over me. Every pair of eyes turned my way, staring like they had just seen a ghost. Uneasy, I made my way to an empty seat and sank into it.

Almost immediately, I heard soft giggles from behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know. They were laughing at me.

When the bus finally arrived at school, I rushed off and headed straight into the hallway without stopping.The hallway was crowded—laughter, shouting, lockers slamming shut. I felt more uneasy than I had on the bus. My breathing grew louder, my palms sweating, my mind overloading.I lowered my head and walked faster, hoping to disappear into the crowd.Suddenly, I tripped and slammed my head hard against the floor.Heat rushed to my face. I felt so embarrassed.When I looked up, I saw two boys and two girls standing there. They were all my age.They were the ones who tripped me.Laughter broke out around me. Some people whispered. Some were recording.My hands were shaking as I forced myself up from the floor, a bit of blood running from my nose.One of the boys stepped forward, laughing, like I was there just to entertain him. The others stood behind him, smiling like they had just watched something funny.Suddenly, the leader punched me hard in the abdomen. The air left my lungs. I coughed, dizzy, feeling like I was about to pass out.He slammed me against the locker and leaned in close."Welcome back to school, bro."Then he walked away with his group, like nothing had happened.

I picked up my bag from the floor and started running until I found an empty classroom. The moment I got inside, I broke down, crying my eyes out.Why?Why am I like this?Why was I even created?Why doesn't anyone respect me?Why can't I be shown love and care?Am I not worthy of love?The questions kept coming, over and over again, until my chest hurt.Then the door opened.James walked in.He looked at me for a moment, then spoke in a calm, steady voice."Don't be hard on yourself," he said. "There's nothing wrong with you. Just because today is bad doesn't mean your whole life will be like this. Life is testing you—so relax and flow with it. It's going to be okay, bro. I'm here for you."His words calmed me. I went quiet, stunned, staring at him like he was an angel sent at the right time."Thanks, bro," I said softly. "I really needed that."I grabbed his arm and stood up from the floor where I had been crying.After biology class, James' private driver came to pick him up. As he left, all I could think was thank you, James.I tightened my grip on my bag, ready to go home—when the bullies showed up again.One of them grabbed my necklace."Give it back," I shouted. "Please, give it back."He smirked. "If you really want it, meet me here at school by 11:00 p.m."Then they walked away.I went home with rage boiling inside me, storming straight into my room. I thought about calling James. He would help me—I knew that.But then I stopped.This is my life, I told myself. I have to do this on my own.By 10:45 p.m., I was already outside.

At exactly 11:00 p.m., I stepped back onto the school grounds alone, waiting for them.