Second chance

Morning, everyone.

Another day, just like all the rest. For at least two years now, my life has been a loop of the same gray routine. I head to high school with hollow eyes and an empty stomach. All my friends have abandoned me by now... not that I blame them.

Then again... I've been a total hypocrite lately.

I catch my reflection in the mirror and the sight of it actually scares me. I look like a stray dog. A mangy mutt. But hey, I'm sure you didn't come here to listen to me whine.

Ah, right. I forgot to introduce myself: the name's Simon. Though, honestly, I doubt that even matters.

I trudged toward school, dragging my feet, only to collapse onto my desk the second the first period started. My eyes had barely fluttered shut when a voice tore through my ears:

— 'Hey, wake up, you mutt!'

That's Lucie.

— 'Hey, I'm talking to you!'

I felt something cold and visceral slide down my head. She had just dumped a jar of paint over my hair before spitting on me. I know what you're thinking: I should defend myself. I shouldn't just take it. But what's the point? She's just some girl desperate for attention, trying to play dominant. It doesn't even reach me anymore.

Once I got home, I spent an eternity under the shower, scrubbing the paint until my skin was raw. The scalding water was the only thing that could still make me feel warm. Afterward, I crawled to my room. I collapsed onto my bed and fell into a dead sleep instantly.

I didn't know yet that it was the last time I'd ever close my eyes in that world.