Disclaimer: This story contains emotional themes, including death and references to blood. Reader discretion is advised.
The room was quiet. Too quiet.
A faint drip echoed in the silence. Blood soaked the bed, smeared across the floor. It clung to the air heavy, warm, metallic. And on the bed lay a boy. Still. Pale. Eyes wide open staring into nothing.
Then the bell rang.
The world snapped back to reality.
Desk clattered as students stood, grabbing their bags and chattering noisily. It was the end of the school day, and laughter filled the hallway outside outside the classroom windows.
Lixian sat in the back, silent, his shoulder tense under the uniform. He waited until the room was nearly empty before he quietly stood and headed forthe door.
But as he reached it, five figures stepped into his path.
A group of boys, grinning like they were waiting just for him.
"Hey Lix" one of them sneered . "Where you off to, huh."
Another leaned in "Don't worry we won't hurt you...that much."
Lixian froze.
The boy holding the milk carton tilted his head "I guess someone needs a bath."
Without waiting for a response, he poured the milk over Lixian's head. The cold liquid streamed down his hair and face, soaking shirt and dripping onto the floor.
The group laughed.
Suddenly an elbow rammed into Lixian's ribs, knocking the breath out of him. He staggered. Before he could recover, a kick slammed into his stomach. He collapsed to his knees, gasping.
Their leader stepped forward now clam,slow, cruel.
He grabbed Lixian by the hair, yanking his head up to meet his eyes.
"How dare you do not do my homework, you little sh*t?"
"I...I was busy..." Lixian mumbled, voice shaking.
"Ohhh busy? So now Lix is booked booked, huh?" The leader mocked. "Should we get an appointment next time?"
They all burst out laughing.
The leader's fist smashed into Lixian's face. Blood spattered from his nose. Another blow sent him crashing sideways to the floor.
The leader crouched, wiped his hands with tissue like Lixian was filth, then forced the tissue in his mouth.
"Chew on that."
Then they left, laughing as they walked out leaving Lix behind.
Alone.
And silent.