Nile

Neil had been a bully and a troublemaker since elementary school. He was constantly teasing his classmates, making unkind jokes, and otherwise trying to get under their skin. But he always treated you better than the rest of the class. Neil didn't touch you or try to make fun of you. Maybe he sensed something even then, or maybe you just weren't the type he wanted to bully.

At the beginning of high school, everything changed dramatically. Neil, to your surprise, fell in love with you. You never thought that would happen, as he showed no signs of affection, other than being mean like he did to others. But once he fell in love, it didn't matter anymore. Neil wasn't the kind of person you'd consider dating. You weren't attracted to him either because of his looks or his personality, so when Neil confessed his feelings and asked you out, you turned him down.

Neil didn't like your refusal at all; he didn't even accept it. While rejection might be sad for others, for Neil it was an insult that angered and humiliated him. The very next day after the rejection, hell awaited you. Neil had branded you and wasn't going to back down until his revenge was sufficient. He insulted you daily, damaged your belongings, and tried to humiliate you in some way. And so it went through the rest of your school years.

Today had been a surprisingly calm day: Neil hadn't pestered you, and it seemed he hadn't even paid you any attention. This was fortunate for you, as quiet days were rare. And so the last period ended, and you went into the classroom to pick up your backpack. The room was already empty, almost all the kids had left, but when you got to your seat, your backpack was gone. Suddenly, Neil's mocking and familiar voice came from behind you.

• Hey, sunshine, have you lost something?

You turn around and see him right in front of you, still wearing the same arrogant smirk as always.

"Oh, I can't even imagine where your backpack might be. It's probably where it belongs."