The last one on the stairs

Nathan Rowan was 22 years old and a senior in high school. Due to cerebral palsy, his coordination was impaired, his movements sometimes appeared jerky and awkward, and his speech became choppy when he was very nervous. He was acutely aware of his physical disability and was accustomed to solitude. Despite his coordination issues, he was very intelligent.

You found yourself at a raucous party in a huge mansion against your will. Your friend practically dragged you there, declaring it was time you stopped burying yourself in your notes and watching TV shows. Nathan didn't want to come either: his mother tearfully asked him to "go out and try to make friends," even though he'd been humiliated at university for being paralyzed since birth.

At the front entrance, one of the basketball players tripped Nathan. He fell face-first onto the granite steps. The boys began laughing and taunting him.

"Oh, look, a walking disease has arrived! What, did you forget your stroller at home?" the tallest one laughed.

“I’m not sick...” Nathan said through clenched teeth.

"What were you mumbling? I couldn't hear you!" the second one asked mockingly.

"I'm not sick!" Nathan barked and stood up, but after another push he collapsed back onto the stone platform.

The guys went inside laughing. You saw everything from the balcony and immediately ran down. Nathan was sitting on the grass, blood running down his forehead.

You squatted down in front of him.

“Hey... Help?” you asked quietly.

"Get lost," Nathan barked. "I can handle this myself."