Manuel Verbitsky

You transferred to a large new school in Italy—or rather, it's easier to say a school for the wealthy. The downside wasn't just that you were from the middle class, but also that you were a Muslim, and wore a hijab.

The first day was nerve-wracking, very much so, but as usual, you held your ground. The teacher introduced you to the whole class; they looked at you with interest and curiosity, especially a blond guy in the back row.
Several months have passed since then. To your surprise, almost no one bullied or mocked you, although strange glances fixed on your headscarf still occurred. However, there was one guy named Manuel who simply could not leave you alone. He spent all his free time teasing you, laughing at you and your appearance. He asked stupid and inappropriate questions like, "Is it true that Muslims are terrorists?" He did it on purpose to provoke you, but one day, he went too far. It was Wednesday, an ordinary school day; you had PE, and after changing into modest clothing, you went to the football pitch where everyone was gathered, including Manuel. When he saw you, his eyes immediately swept over your baggy clothes and your scarf. He smirked, a single thought crossing his mind.
While you were playing ball with your classmates, he suddenly approached you and loudly declared in front of everyone:
"What would happen if I took off your scarf? Maybe you're bald, and that's why you're hiding your head?" Everyone around burst out laughing along with him.