Kael Jones walked to school. The morning sun was weak. He was only seventeen, but life felt too hard. His eyes were tired. His black hair was messy. He kicked a small rock on the road. *Another bad day*, he thought. *Will this ever stop?*
He looked up at the sky. Birds flew free and happy. Kael wished he could be like them. But he knew school meant trouble. He sighed.
Kael's stomach growled. At home, breakfast was just dry toast. The fridge was almost empty. He smelled bacon cooking next door. He pushed his cold hands into his old jacket pockets and walked faster.
He saw the big school gates. Kael hated this place. He walked inside. It smelled like old books and soap. Students laughed and talked loudly. Kael kept his head down. He walked fast to his locker. *Get your books. Go to class. Don't look at anyone.*
Then he saw them.
Four boys stood near the stairs. Brad was the leader – big and mean. His friends Jake, Ryan, and Tyler stood with him. They looked around like they owned the school.
Kael's stomach hurt. He tried to walk past them quickly.
Brad grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. "Hey, loser! Ignoring us?" Brad's voice was mean. "Remember yesterday? You spilled soda on my jacket!"
Kael stared at the floor. "I just want to go to class," he whispered.
Brad laughed loudly. "Oh, he talks! Did your mom teach you to whisper?" He stepped closer. "Maybe I should be your dad. Teach you some respect."
Those words hurt more than hitting. Kael's hands shook. He remembered yesterday – Brad tripping him, the soda spilling, Brad pushing him while his friends laughed.
Anger exploded in Kael. He swung his fist at Brad.
But Brad caught his arm easily. "You think you can hit ME?" Brad laughed.
Then Brad punched Kael hard in the nose. **CRUNCH!** Pain filled Kael's face. He fell down. Brad's friends started kicking and hitting him. Kael curled into a ball, covering his head. It hurt everywhere.
Teacher Steps In
"HEY! STOP RIGHT NOW!"
Mr. Thompson, the science teacher, ran over. The bullies stopped and walked away laughing.
Mr. Thompson helped Kael up. "Are you hurt?" he asked kindly.
Kael wiped blood from his nose. "I'm okay," he lied. He heard kids whispering about him. His face felt hot.
He limped to the boys' bathroom.
Alone in the Bathroom
Kael locked himself in a stall. His hands shook. He took deep breaths. After a minute, he looked in the mirror.
His face was a mess. A purple bruise grew under his eye. His nose was swollen. Blood dried on his lip. He looked broken.
*Why is life so hard?* he thought. *I wish I could disappear.*
He washed his face with cold water. It stung his cut lip. He dried his face with paper towels. Then he left for class.
Kael sat at the back of science class. He hid behind his book. He could feel Brad smirking at him.
Mr. Thompson asked, "Kael, what is the unit for force? Stand up."
Kael stood up slowly. His heart pounded. *I know this! It's Newton!* But his mind went blank.
Mr. Thompson frowned. "Well? We're waiting."
Kael stayed quiet. His ears felt hot.
Brad's hand shot up. "Sir! Newton!"
"Yes, Newton," said Mr. Thompson. He looked at Kael. "You need to try harder. Sit down."
Kael sat. He hid his fists under the desk, nails digging into his palms. Newton. I knew it.* He felt stupid and small.
The school bell rang. Kael grabbed his bag and rushed out.
Cool air felt good on his sore face. His backpack felt heavy with books. He walked slowly, staring at the ground.
*I hate my life*, he thought. *I hate school. I hate them. I hate everything.*
He saw another small rock and kicked it hard. It bounced down the street and disappeared. Just like his hope for a better day.
(Chapter 1 Fin)