|| Outside the College Gates ||
"So, how was your day, Cherry?" Steven asked, his usual cheerful smile lighting up his face.
Cherry didn't respond. She silently opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat, her eyes avoiding his.
Steven's smile faded. "Cherry? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, Dad," she replied softly, turning her head to the window.
Outside, the street bustled with students heading home, but Cherry's gaze was fixed on one figure in particular—Jim, walking alone on the footpath, one hand clutching his bag, the other holding a half-empty water bottle. His shoulders were slouched, his eyes vacant.
"Who could've posted that video?" Jim muttered under his breath, eyes trained on the road ahead.
His gaze lifted and met Cherry's through the car window.
|| Jim's P.O.V ||
I'm sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you. I never thought things would turn out like this.
He gave her a small, regretful smile.
But Cherry's face tensed. The image of the video, the laughter, the humiliation—all of it flashed in her mind. Her eyes welled with tears. She quickly looked away.
"Dad, let's go," she said quietly.
Steven nodded, started the car, and drove off. Jim stood frozen on the sidewalk, watching as they disappeared into the distance.
---
|| At Cherry's Home ||
"We're back," Steven called as he opened the front door.
"Welcome back, honey," Jerry greeted warmly from the kitchen.
"How was your day, Cherry?" she asked.
Cherry didn't answer. She simply walked past her and headed upstairs without a word.
Jerry frowned. "What's wrong with Cherry?"
"I don't know. She barely spoke a word in the car either," Steven replied, concerned.
"She must be tired," Jerry said with a soft smile. "Don't worry, I'll talk to her in a bit."
---
|| In Cherry's Room ||
Cherry sat on her bed, her phone in hand as she scrolled through the comment section of the viral cafeteria video. Each word hit her like a slap.
> Comment 1: How does someone like her even have the guts to talk to Jim?
Comment 2: Didn't know our college had such whores roaming around.
Comment 3: Poor Alice. She doesn't deserve this drama.
Comment 4: Glad Jim rejected her. She had it coming.
With trembling fingers, she threw her phone across the room. It hit the floor with a thud. She buried her face into her pillow and cried—deep, aching sobs that shook her entire body.
A gentle knock sounded on her door before Steven entered.
"Cherry?" he said softly, walking over and placing a hand on her back. "What happened, sweetheart?"
She didn't answer, only cried harder into the pillow.
Steven sat beside her, brushing her hair back gently. "You know… your mom never cried. She used to say crying meant letting fear win. And she never let fear stop her."
Cherry lifted her head slightly, her tear-streaked face peeking out.
"Running from your problems isn't the answer," Steven continued. "You're strong, Cherry. Just like your mother."
"I was only trying to help him," Cherry sobbed, hugging him tightly. "But everyone… they're so cruel."
"I know, sweetheart. But you did nothing wrong," Steven whispered, rubbing her back. "The world can be harsh—but that doesn't mean you have to become like it. You tried to do something good, and that's what matters."
"I just… I can't go back there, Dad. Not after all this," Cherry cried.
Steven pulled back, cupping her face gently. "If you run now, you'll keep running forever. Life is full of obstacles—but they're there for us to face, not fear."
Cherry looked into his eyes, sniffling.
"You're right, Dad. I have to face it. No matter how hard it is."
Steven smiled proudly. "That's my girl. Now come on. Let's have dinner. You'll need your strength for tomorrow."
---
|| To Be Continued ||
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