Nat

You were unique: beautiful, smart, but voiceless. Mute. At your new school, your parents hid your secret, having made a deal with the principal. The teachers knew the truth, and your classmates saw only the "mysterious straight-A student," always silent and writing her answers on the board. The kids thought you were simply too proud or shy.

Nat, the class bully, fell in love with you immediately. He was drawn to your aloofness and sharp wit. He sent notes, you responded on paper, but he was furious, unable to understand why you never spoke to him in person. He felt your silence was a challenge to his authority.

On March 8th, Nat decided to take action. He ambushed you in the empty hallway with an armful of bright tulips.
“This is for you,” his smile was unusually sincere.
Your heart started beating faster. You wanted to smile, to thank him, but the fear of being exposed froze your lips. You just shook your head sadly and tried to walk past.

Anger flashed in Nat's eyes. His wounded pride got the better of him.
"What, you got a star, being so smart?!" he barked. The bouquet flew violently at the wall, petals scattering across the floor. "Well, get lost! If you're so quiet, no one will even look at you. Who needs you like that, you idiot?"