She taught me how to stand

TITLE:SHE TAUGHT ME HOW TO STAND

Finn woke up before his alarm. The room was quiet and dark. He stayed in bed for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling. He hates mornings.

He got ready for college, the place he hated the most and left. He looked exhausted, with no expression on his face, watching people around him busy with their own lives.

Finally, he reached the college gate, but he didn’t want to go inside. Finn adjusted his bag on his shoulder and walked in, keeping his eyes low.

The seniors noticed him immediately.

“Wow! Look who’s here,” one of them said, and everyone laughed.

“One of the most handsome men in our college, right Finn?” they mocked.

Finn didn’t answer, as always. He pretended he didn’t care but he did.

In class, he sat on the last bench near the wall. Teachers talked, time passed slowly. His mind felt tired, tired from his life, tired from people, tired from his own existence.

Time passed, school ended. Finn started walking back home. Suddenly, he heard someone calling his name and he stopped to look around.

His heart started pounding.

It was those seniors again, he sighed, he was already tired of everything.

“Come here," one of them said.

“We miss u so much”, Everyone laughed.

“Cmon guys! Don’t tease him, he’ll start crying”

“Vhahhahaha” They all laughed

Finn stayed quiet. One of them pushed him and said.

“Guys! Let’s go! It’s already 4, Our girls will definitely be waiting for us.”

“Wowow,Yeah! Let's go! Tonight’s going to be fun.”

“Perverts”, Finn muttered.

Finn reached home and he throws himself in bed. The house was quiet. He spent the rest of the evening just lying there, thinking about nothing. He ate dinner and went to bed early.

Morning came too fast. Finn got ready for college, his eyes were barely open with messy hair.

Finn walked to school and just hoped that those bullies wouldn’t see him.

He reached and walked to the class.

The class was empty, maybe he arrived a bit early.

“HI LOVE”, Finn recognises this familiar voice.

“We are really sorry that we left you yesterday. You are not mad at us, aren’t you??”, one of them said.

Finn tried to walk past them, but they blocked his way.

The other one said,“Guess he’s mad. What are you looking?? apologize to him.”

They all laughed.

“You think you can ignore us?”

Laughing, “pathetic”.

They kicked Finn and he fell on the floor.

Their group leader Kai said,“A little push and you fall over like a baby.

They threw all his books on the floor

“You’re useless. You can’t do anything. You are so weak.” One of them yelled.

Another pushed him against the wall, harder this time.Finn was holding back his tears and didn’t cry out. At this moment, Finn felt so weak and vulnerable.

Some days, it felt like the world only existed to remind him how weak he is.

As the seniors finally walked away, laughing and joking as if nothing happened. The class was quiet. Finn was totally broken. He can’t fight back. He looked at the floor, breathing heavily.

Finn sat there for a long time, staring at the floor. His body hurt but the pain inside his chest hurt more. He wondered how much longer he could keep living like this.

He took a deep breath and slowly stood up.

Students slowly started coming into the classroom and after a few minutes, the class began.

Some students noticed Finn’s condition but ignored him. No one really cared. Finn couldn’t take it anymore. He quietly left the class without saying anything and went straight home.

Finn reached home and closed the door behind him. The house was silent. He dropped his bag and sat on the floor. His body felt weak, and his heart felt empty.

He felt tired of everything. Tired of being bullied. Tired of feeling weak. He thought about how alone he was.

That night, Finn left the house and walked without thinking. His mind was full of dark thoughts. He felt like he didn’t belong in this world anymore. He felt like his life had no meaning.

For the first time, the thought of suicide felt real to him.

He thought that maybe ending his life would end the pain too.

His steps slowly led him to a bridge. He stood there quietly, his hands shaking. His heart was beating fast, but his mind felt numb. He looked ahead and felt like giving up.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

He looked at the screen.

Mom.

His eyes filled with tears. His finger trembled as he answered the call.

“Hello?” his mother said softly. “Are you okay, Finn?”

He swallowed hard. “Yes, Mom,” he lied gently. “I’m good. College is fine. I’m doing great.”

She talked about her day, about home, about food. Finn listened in silence. He didn’t tell her how broken he felt. He didn’t want her to worry.

After the call ended, Finn stood there for a long time.

He thought about his mother. About how much she loved him. About what would happen to her if he chose suicide. The thought scared him more than anything else.

Slowly, he stepped back.

He wasn’t happy. He wasn’t strong.

But he was still alive.

And for his mother, he chose to live.

He went straight home.

The next day was the same.

As the class began, a new student entered the class.

“She’s pretty”, students whispered.

“Hi everyone, I’m Luna. Nice to meet you all.” She introduced herself.

She took an empty seat near the window. Finn noticed her but looked away. New people usually don’t notice him anyway.

But she did.

For two days, she watched quietly. She saw how he always sat alone. Students bullied him and how he still stayed calm.

One day, she sat beside him during lunch.

“Hi”, she said gently.

Finn was surprised.

“Hi,” he replied.

She smiled, and he thought to himself,

“Damn…. She has dimples”.

“Hey??” Confused

“Emm!! Yeah? Do…..do you want something?” He asked

“No,” she replied.

The bell rang.

They both went to the class.

“Hey”?? She said

“Yes”?? He replied

Awkward silence

She asked,“can…..Can I sit with you??

Surprised

Finn replied nervously, “Yeah….yeah sure”.

“You don’t talk much” she said

“Yeah! I guess” he replied

“ It's ok. I talk a lot.” She replied

From that day she stayed

They walked to class together. Sat together. Sometimes they talked, sometimes they didn’t. Luna never forced him to speak. Luna also helped him in studies.

Few days passed, Luna and Finn were walking to school.

“So now a loser also have a company?” One of them mocked.

Finn noticed the seniors. Finn’s heart starts racing.

Finn turned to Luna.“ You don’t have to stay with me. They will start troubling you too.”

She looked at him calmly,“I know”

Luna held his hand and walked past them but seniors blocked their way.

“Trying to act brave now?”, one of them asked.

“Enough”, she said

Everyone laughed.

Finn turned to Luna, “Luna! Please go”

Luna looked at him calmly.“ I’m not going anywhere”.

The seniors laughed and moved closer. One of them pushed Finn slightly.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he said.

That was when Luna stepped forward.

“Move,” she said.

They laughed again.

One of them reached out to grab her arm.

Luna moved fast.

She twisted her arm and pushed his hand away. Before he could react, she hit him hard in the stomach. He stepped back, shocked.

“What the….?” one of them said.

Another rushed toward her, angry. Luna didn’t panic. She moved away quickly and hit his shoulder. He lost his balance. She stayed standing, calm and strong.

The seniors froze.

Finn watched as Luna fought calmly.

He was shocked. This was the first time someone fought for him.

Luna turned to him,“ Are you ok”?

Finn nodded.

They walked past the seniors.

Finn kept walking beside Luna. His heart was still racing.

After a moment, he looked at her. “How did you do that?” he asked quietly. “You fought like it was nothing.”

Luna glanced at him. “I do boxing,” she said. “I’ve been training for four years.”

Finn stopped for a second. “Four years?”

She nodded.

He didn’t say anything else. For the first time, he felt safe walking beside someone.

The next few days passed slowly.

Finn and Luna started sitting together in class. Sometimes they talked. Sometimes they didn’t. They studied, sharing notes, helping each other understand lessons. Finn liked the quiet comfort. It didn’t feel awkward. It felt peaceful.

One afternoon, after class, Finn was late leaving the building. The seniors were there again. This time, Luna wasn’t around. They didn’t hurt him badly.

It left a bruise.

The next day, Luna noticed it while they were sitting in the library.

“What happened to your arm?” she asked softly.

Finn tried to hide it. “It’s nothing.”

She didn’t argue. She quietly took out a small bandage from her bag. Without saying much, she wrapped it gently around his arm. Her touch was careful.

Finn watched her hands. No one had ever done something like this for him before.

“Thank you,” he said.

She smiled. “Be careful.”

He always noticed her dimples when she smiled.

Days continued like this.

Sometimes they talked about small things. Sometimes they just sat in silence. Finn felt comfortable around her. Luna felt calm with him.

Neither of them spoke about feelings.

But something was growing.

A few days later, Finn was waiting outside the boxing hall after classes. Luna came out, looking tired. Her hair was messy, and she wiped sweat from her forehead.

Finn walked toward her and handed her a bottle of water.

She looked surprised. “For me?”

He nodded. “You looked tired.”

She smiled, drinking the water. “Thanks.”

Luna noticed Finn staring at her face.

“Is there something on my face?” ,she asked.

“Yeah”, he replied quietly.

“I mean…. Your dimples.

“Huh”? She looked confused.

“When you smile… your dimples look cute.” He said.

Her cheeks turned red.

They walked home together slowly, talking about small things along the way. When they reached their street, they stopped.

“See you tomorrow,” Luna said with a small smile.

“Yeah… see you,” Finn replied.

They waved goodbye and went to their own houses.

Finn closed the door behind him and dropped onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about her.

Her smile.

Her dimples.

How she helped him with everything. How she had saved him from the seniors.

He couldn’t stop thinking about how brave she was.

At the same time, Luna walked into her room. She smiled to herself, remembering what Finn had said.

“Your dimples look cute…”

She went to the mirror and looked at her face. She smiled again, checking if her dimples really showed.

She laughed softly. Maybe he’s right, she thought.

That night, they both lay in their rooms, thinking about each other.

Finn and Luna didn’t say anything to anyone, but something had changed.

Something warm had started between them. The next morning, Finn saw Luna waiting for him near the gate. He smiled, and she waved. They walked to class together, quietly. They always spent time together. Sitting together in the library, sharing notes, helping each other. Finn notices her dimples, her smile, her patience.Luna notices his quiet kindness.After school ended, Finn walked beside Luna on their way home. They talked quietly about small things, laughing a little. When they reached their street, they stopped.

“See you tomorrow,” Luna said with a smile.

“Yeah… see you,” Finn replied.

They waved goodbye and went to their own houses. Finn thought he was finally safe at home. But three of the seniors were waiting outside his door.

The moment he stepped out, they grabbed him, and hit him. Finn tried to defend himself, but he was too weak.

When they were done, they left him lying on the ground, bruised and broken. Finn slowly got up, every step heavy. He walked inside his room, wincing with each movement, and collapsed onto his bed.

The next morning at school, Luna noticed Finn as soon as he walked into the classroom.

“Finn… what happened to your face?” she asked softly, concern in her eyes.

Finn quickly touched his cheek. “Oh… I fell,” he said, forcing a small smile.

Luna studied him for a moment. She could tell he was lying.

“I’ll handle it,” she said quietly.

“No… don’t. It’s fine,” he whispered.

Instead, Luna sighed and gently bandaged his bruised arm. After school, Luna took Finn to the empty hall.

“You need to learn to defend yourself,” she said. Finn looked nervous, but she smiled. “I’ll teach you slowly. Step by step.” For the next hour, she showed him how to stand, how to punch, and how to block. Finn struggled, but Luna stayed patient. When he finally managed a punch correctly,

she clapped. “See? You can do it.” Finn smiled, feeling proud for the first time in weeks.

Sometimes he wanted to give up.

But Luna never lost patience. “It’s okay,” she said. “You’ll get it. Try again.”

Slowly, Finn started improving. His punches became sharper. He felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I didn’t think I could do this,” he said quietly.

She smiled.

After practice, Finn was panting. Luna handed him a bottle of water. “Thanks,” he said quietly. He noticed her looking tired and offered the bottle back.

“I’m fine,” she said, smiling. “You need it more”. They looked at each other for a moment and both smiled shyly.

One day, Luna noticed Finn improving quickly. “You’re doing really well,” she said.

“I… thanks,” he said. His eyes dropped. Luna smiled, noticing the way he couldn’t meet her gaze.

Awkward silence.

“L ... .Let's practice” she said. They started practicing.

Finn tried to punch the bag too hard and almost lost his balance. He fell onto the mat. Luna tried not to laugh but couldn’t help it. Finn was embarrassed. “Don’t laugh at me!” “I’m not!” she said, giggling. But her dimples showed.

Finn noticed her dimples and said,

“Your dimples… they are so cute”.

Her cheeks turned red.

On the other hand,

The seniors didn’t give up.

They were talking to each other.

“She’s just a girl,” one said angrily. “But… she’s too strong. How did she do that?”

“I don’t know. Finn’s weak, but that girl… she’s scary.” Another one said.

They looked at each other, thinking. They couldn’t just attack him the way they used to. Not with her around.

They started whispering, It was clear, they were plotting something.

And this time, they weren’t going to go easy.

A few days later, after practice, Finn and Luna walked home together. The evening was calm. The streets were quiet.

Finn’s heart was beating fast. He wanted to say something, maybe tell Luna a little about how he felt.

“Luna…” he said softly.

But just then, her phone rang. She pulled it out and looked at the screen.

“It’s my mom,” she said with a small sigh, answering the call.

Finn stayed silent, watching her. His words faded.

When she hung up, she turned to him, curious. “What were you saying?” she asked.

“Nothing,” he said quietly, looking down at the ground.

Luna smiled softly. She knew something had been on his mind, but she let it be for now.

They continued walking side by side, both thinking in their own hearts.

During boxing practice, Luna noticed Finn improving more each day. She clapped gently as he finally landed a good punch.

“You’re getting better,” she said.

Finn smiled shyly. “I… I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Luna laughed softly.

He wanted to say something, but again, the words stuck. Instead, he nodded, watching her smile, feeling something growing quietly inside him.

The next day, Finn and Luna were sitting side by side during lunchtime, quietly eating their lunch.

Suddenly, a girl tripped and fell near Finn, almost falling onto him.

“Oh! I’m so sorry,” the girl said quickly.

Finn immediately helped her up. “Oh, it’s okay. Don’t worry,” he said kindly.

The girl smiled and thanked him before walking away.

Luna, watching from the side, felt a small pang in her chest. Her cheeks warmed slightly.

She looked at Finn and muttered quietly, “Do you really like helping other girls?

Finn froze. He looked at her, confused. “Huh… what? Luna… what’s going on?”

Luna didn’t answer. She just kept eating her lunch quietly, her eyes focused on her plate.

Finn stared at her for a moment, unsure what to do, then sighed softly and continued eating.

The next day, after practice, Finn and Luna walked back home together. The sky was turning dark. The road was quiet.

Suddenly, a little boy appeared in front of them.

“Someone is waiting for you,” the boy said softly.

“Waiting for us?” she asked.

The boy didn’t answer. He only handed a small folded piece of paper to Luna and quickly ran away.

Luna opened the paper. An address was written on it.

“What is it?” Finn asked.

“I don’t know,” Luna replied, reading it again. “This place… it’s not far from here.”

They both stood still for a moment, staring at each other.

“Do you think we should go?” he asked quietly.

Luna hesitated. Something felt wrong. Very wrong.

“Yes,” she said. “We should.”

Finn nodded, even though his heart was pounding.

They walked toward the location in silence.

When they reached the place, their steps stopped.

The seniors were there.

They stood in a group, blocking the way. Their faces were cold. Their eyes were full of anger. It felt like they had been waiting for a long time.

“This… this is a trap,” Finn whispered.

The seniors stepped forward, smiling cruelly. It felt dark. Like they didn’t just want to scare them this time.

It felt like they wanted to break them.

Or worse.

Finn and Luna stood together. Their hearts were beating fast. The seniors around them laughed, walking closer.

“Let’s see how brave you are now,” one of them said.

Luna looked at Finn. “Stay with me,” she whispered. Finn nodded, his hands shaking a little.

The seniors ran toward them.

Luna moved first. She pushed one boy away and hit his shoulder. He stepped back, surprised. Finn stared at her, amazed.

“Come on, Finn! Try it!” Luna shouted.

Finn took a deep breath. He tried to punch at the nearest boy. He missed the first time, but then he tried again and hit him a little. It was not a big hit.

They stayed together, side by side. Luna blocked the seniors’ pushes and punched when she could. Finn copied what she did. He tried to block and punch too.

But there were too many of them.

Every time Finn and Luna hit one, another came. Finn felt tired. His arms hurt. His chest was heavy.

Luna looked at him. “Don’t stop! Keep moving!” she said.

Finn knew the truth. They could not fight all of them.

They both were trying their best. Finn blocked and punched as much as he could, and Luna moved quickly, hitting anyone who came near.

But one of the seniors hit Finn hard on the nose. Blood started coming out, and his vision became blurry.

Luna was still fighting, fast and strong.

After a few minutes, as the fight went on, one senior punched Luna harder than before. She fell back, her head hitting the wall hard. Pain shot on her head, and her eyes slowly closed.

She fainted.

Finn froze. His heart jumped. “Luna!” he shouted.

“Luna! Wake up Luna….luna???

Can you hear me???”

The seniors stopped for a moment, shocked to see her lying there. Finn held her close, his hands shaking, tears coming to his eyes.

“What if she’s… what if she’s dead?” They whispered.

“If she dies, we’re going to jail!” another said.

Slowly, they turned and ran off, leaving Finn and Luna alone.

Luna… please… wake up… don’t leave me… I can’t lose you!” his hands were trembling.

Finn…” she whispered,

Finn’s chest tightened with relief. “You… you woke up! Thank God! I thought… I thought I lost you!”

Finn held her tightly. “I’m never leaving you, Luna… I can’t… you’re everything to me,” he said.

“Finn… I… I always… cared about you… even when I didn’t say it… I… I love you… don’t forget me… please,” she whispered, barely loud enough to hear.

Luna tried to speak again, but her strength was fading. “You… you must… be strong… even when I’m gone… fight… live… for both of us…”

“No… you can’t leave me… please, Luna…” Finn screamed.

She gave a faint smile, eyes half-closed. “I… I’ll always… be with you… in your heart…”

Slowly, her hand slipped from his.

“Luna… don’t go… stay… wake up…”

But it was too late. She closed her eyes completely. Her body went limp.

Finn stayed on the ground for a long time, holding Luna in his arms. The street was quiet, the sunset fading. His chest ached, his tears would not stop.

“Luna… why did you leave me… why?” he whispered, his voice breaking. He pressed his forehead to hers, wishing she would open her eyes again. But she didn’t.

He sat there, holding her, staring at the empty street, and remembering everything she had done for him, the way she saved him, taught him to fight, laughed at his mistakes, smiled at him, and even the way she blushed when he complimented her dimples.

“She believed in me… even when I didn’t. She wanted me to be strong… for both of us.”

He whispered to her, “I’ll do it… I’ll fight… I’ll survive… for you. I won’t be weak anymore… I promise.”

Luna had left him, but her lessons, her love… they were still with him.

From that day, everything changed. Finn trained harder than ever. He remembered her instructions in boxing, and even her small jokes that made him laugh. Every punch he threw, he thought of her, imagining her standing beside him, smiling proudly.

The boy who once feared everything, who used to hide from bullies and think about giving up… that boy was gone.

Now, Finn was ready to face the world. Not just for himself… but for Luna.