BEACON

elt right, I was just so happy that I had a chance to talk and experience this kind of familiarity with my classmates. Soon after the fight the closing bell brought both relief and

once it was closing so I could bring it home to her. As

to the ground and my eyes got teary but I had to hold it in. It was as though the very people I had stood up for now stood against me. It was bewildering. As I t

I just went in and delved into my chores,

anting me the solitude to

nowingly inflicted upon myself. Each tear was a confirmation to my longing for acceptance, a silent plea for understan

hen I just got out of bed and did the necessary morning duties. Once again despite my haste, I found myself among the latecomers at school. After sneaking back and forth I finally found my way into my

and removed their face. In the end, I never truly found my voice with the other class. They hated me until they graduated. I couldn't even have a proper conversation with th

of term, marked by the triumphant conclusion of our final exams, we always held a party for it. The air was charged with anticipation, buzzing wit

ool. As I entered my school premises I loved the decoration. It was beautifully decorated in purple. I just loved the carpet, ribbons and balloons used in decorating the premises. I went to my class to drop my bag off, I hesitated to change, wanting to savor the moment a little longer. After all, who doesn't enjoy a grand entrance? I was eager to contribute to the preparations, as I moved from different places offering my assistance to those organizing the party, from the kitchen where the food was made, to the

as thrilled as I was? I then blamed myself for telling them, I never speak with them in class, so what was the essence of running to them and telling

big for her britch

hat second position

really proud, you said No

he courage to walk

t make it to that position feel less of ourselves right?Well it i

wn space. I longed for the quietude of my room, a sanctuary where I could collect my thoughts. It was a bittersweet realization; I would soon be free of these judgments for a few months. I could take this time to reflect, to plan how I would navigate the challenges of the next term. With each passing moment, the weight of expectati

t to handle, it was

re. I planned so much and I really used my holiday to do some self reflection and I spent time with only me and me. I promised myself that the next term would be differen

aw some new faces and a shifting dynamic. Among them, I found comfort in the company of a new friend. She radiated warmth and soon became my closest companion. Our days were woven with shared laughter and whispered confidences, cementing a bond tha

a jagged, menacing shard of metal in its place. And it could tear anybody's skin off once it comes in contact with you. It was a catastrophe waiting to happen. We were still playing the game, my new friend, another girl, and I found ourselves near that treacherous door unknowingly. We were on the cusp of our escape plan, ready for the thrill of evasion. We were in the midst of a lively game, trying to avoid being tagged

ed her!' t

that?' One said

icked!' Ano

said, looking at me and calling t