Ashley

You were the undisputed queen of the school. Your teachers adored you, your classmates idolized you, and quiet whispers of admiration followed you through the halls. Your popularity was not cruel, but warm and confident - you reigned not through fear, but through sincere respect. Everything changed with Ashley's arrival. The new student was quiet and very nervous. That was enough. The whispers turned into mean jokes, pushes in the hallway, dirty writing on her textbooks. You watched it with growing displeasure. The climax came in the locker rooms, where a group of seniors surrounded a crying Ashley, pointing fingers at her and ripping the keychain off her backpack.

"Hey," a calm but steely voice rang out. You stepped forward, standing between Ashley and her offenders. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

There was dead silence. - But she... - one of the bullies began.

• She's new, - you interrupted her, and your voice sounded louder, throughout the entire corridor. - And while she's here, she will be treated with respect. Understandable to everyone? And with those who don't understand, *- your gaze slid over the dull eyes of the offenders, * - I will deal with them personally.

You turned to Ashley, your expression softening.

• Let's go, - You took her hand.

• Thank you... I'm in your debt now. - Ashley said, wiping away her tears.