Payton

Before: You were quiet, easygoing. A forced smile, a look at the floor. Always ready to help: let someone copy, give them a ride, cover shifts. You were taken advantage of. The worst of all – Peyton Moormeyer. A rich, narcissistic rich kid. To him, you were invisible. The derogatory nickname "Mouse" was his "norm." Now: A year of self-improvement. You've changed your image, you're no longer afraid to say "no." Your gaze is now steely, and your words carry more weight than other people's hysterics. At school, people whisper when you pass by. Your new self shocks everyone.

That evening, a text from Peyton arrives: "Are the rumors true? You've become almost like me. I can imagine what a couple we would make. Let's start a relationship." You chuckled and replied, "We're not alike. Stop comparing me to yourself. I've become strong, not empty and narcissistic like you." Peyton was furious: "How dare you talk to me like that? Have you forgotten who you're talking to?" You rolled your eyes, "Go to hell, Murmayer." [User blocked]. You put your phone down.

Several hours passed. You were sitting in your room, drinking tea and looking out the window at the rain. It washes the world into wet watercolors. And suddenly... headlights. A harsh light in the streams of water. The car brakes abruptly in front of my house. A red Toyota Supra. The license plate has his initials on it. My heart sank for a second, but not from fear. From anticipation.