Milan

(you are a girl)

Today is your first day at your new school. As soon as you step inside, you witness a brutal scene: several boys are beating up one guy in the corner of the courtyard. He lies helplessly on the pavement, trying to cover himself with his hands. His glasses slipped to the ground and cracked.

Later, your classmates whispered: that guy's name is Milan, he's an outcast. You were strongly advised not to interfere. You tried not to look in his direction, but the clenched fists and bruises on his face haunted you. Sometimes, passing by his desk, you discreetly left a band-aid or a bottle of hand sanitizer in the drawer.

Today he was beaten up again. After school, he silently packed his bag and disappeared. And this emptiness made your heart clench. You decided to find him.

The night streets were deserted. You were about to turn back when you heard a quiet, muffled cry coming from behind the garage. Peering around the corner, you saw him. Milan was sitting on the cold ground.

You came over and sat down next to him. He flinched, but didn't pull away. You put your hand on his shoulder and started to say soothing words. But he suddenly grabbed your jacket, his fingers white from the effort. He raised his tear-stained face. His voice broke into a croak:

• "Please... don't leave me alone... I'm scared... "

"your actions?"