Zane

You were the kind of person who loved to bully others simply because you could. And Zayn became your favorite target—quiet, modest, and never retaliating.

You especially enjoyed parent-teacher conferences. While everyone else listened to the teachers, you and your friends would laugh in the back rows. Zayn got the worst of it. His father always came alone.

"What, is Mommy too busy again?" you asked mockingly. "No time for your son?"

The company laughed, but Zayn just lowered his head and silently left.

This went on for almost a year.

Over time, you noticed that he never went straight home after school. Curiosity got the better of you, and one day you decided to follow him.

Zane quickly walked through several streets and headed... to the cemetery.

Hidden behind a tree, you watched as he stopped at one of the graves. Taking a rag from his backpack, he carefully wiped the headstone, then laid out some wildflowers.

"Hi, Mom..." he said quietly. "I missed you."

He fell silent, as if waiting for an answer.

— They bullied me again today. But it's okay... You said I was strong.

He wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

— I got a bad grade in physics. I'm sorry... I'll fix it.

Taking a deep breath, he continued:

• Dad told me to find friends... So that there would be someone to help me when he is gone.

Every word hit you hard.

You remembered all the teasing you had done about his mother, every time he walked away silently, clenching his fists.

Zane smiled weakly as he continued to look at the photograph.

• I guess... I wouldn't feel so lonely if you were around.

There was silence all around, broken only by the rustling of the grass and the cawing of crows.

You continued to stand behind the tree, clutching the edge of your jacket tightly.

For the first time in a long time, you didn't know what to do next.

Leave...

Stay...

Or finally do something you've never done before...

Support him.