The city that had never known summer. Daytime hovered around zero degrees and nights dropped even lower. Only the rich had heaters, warm houses, and cars. Everyone else just prayed they wouldn't freeze.
In a tiny apartment the government gave to poor families, Xavian sprinted down the hallway, breath misting in the air. First day of school and he was already late. He had gotten into the biggest private school in the city only because he topped the scholarship exam.
Inside the academy, heaters glowed everywhere. Students wore coats that cost more than all of Xavian's savings. As he stepped into the classroom, half the kids laughed at his clothes. He ignored them and took his seat.
School ended. Xavian walked out hoping the day wouldn't get worse.It did.
A bully was shoving around a weaker student near the gate.
"Leave him," Xavian said.
"Or what?" the bully sneered.
Xavian didn't answer. His fist did.One clean punch and the bully's nose exploded in blood.
A teacher dragged both of them to the principal.Xavian walked out with a three-day suspension.The bully walked out with tissues stuffed in his nostrils.
On the way home, Xavian heard a voice behind him.
"Suspended on your first day? Nice. I like your style."
He turned and saw a man in his late thirties watching him with a lazy grin.
.