In sixth grade, Shoya was invincible or so he believed. Days passed in dares, rooftop jumps, and riverside races. He lived for the thrill, for the approval of his classmates, and the laughter of rebellion
Then Shoko Nishimiya walked into their classroom. Her voice was soft, tentative. She bowed politely and held up a notebook:
"My name is Shoko Nishimiya. I'm deaf. Please take care of me."
At first, there was curiosity. Then confusion. Then cruelty.
It began with whispers and mimicking. Then came louder jokes, stolen hearing aids, and chalkboard graffiti. Shoya led the pack, proud to be the loudest among them until it all went too far.
When the school finally intervened, Shoya was offered up as the scapegoat. His so-called friends turned on him. And Shoko, with tears he couldn't understand, disappeared from the classroom.