Prologue. The reason for a caution.

Disclaimer. The story is entirely a figment of the author's imagination. It is not based on any actual events, such as those that led to the suicide of eight-year-old Marie in Manchester, the murder of Rina Virk in British Columbia, the shooting of classmates and suicide of Eric and Dylan in Colorado, the many suicides of fourteen-year-olds in Abbotsford, Surrey, Taber, Tokyo, Galifals, and Otsu. The author just made it all up because, of course, nothing like this exists. You've never seen such a thing, have you?

There's no real reason for it. It's enough to bring a different-colored flower or to hang a funny toy in your bag. They are coming in last in a race or failing to close the goal in soccer. Even if you're fatter or skinnier, faster or slower - that's not the reason for bullying! The real reason is just because the critters want to play. It's enough to be different, just a little bit. Answer better in class. Dress neatly. To be able to make your clothes. Wear beautiful and unusual jewelry. The opposite of wearing nothing. To look fashionable. To look like a redneck. I'm not going to karaoke with the class. Or stand up for someone who's being bullied.

It starts subtly. First, the pokes. It's a trial and error, a test. If someone steps up and stops it, it can stop. Then there's the trash in the locker and the smeared shoes. Then there's the writing on the desk. Then, an "accidentally" cut piece of hair and cut clothes. If everyone averts their eyes, if no one makes a comment, and no one says anything, it goes on.

It can be resisted, and you might even get something out of it if the school staff gives a damn about you. But things can get much more interesting if the staff doesn't care for those who want to have fun. Somebody could be stronger after this. Much, much, much more substantial. Such characters can single-handedly turn history upside down, open a new scientific direction, and make many valuable inventions. Or find ingenious ways to kill their kind. Sometimes, the last points coincide.

But most break down after that without outside help. Sometimes they quietly slit their wrists, hang themselves, and jump off the school roof. Sometimes, they bring a gun or explosives to school, and the fun begins. And sometimes they live their lives quietly and discreetly, not reacting to stimuli. I'm not avoiding attention, but I'm not attracting too much.

It's enough to respond. To snap back, or better yet, to slap what's above your shoulders. No, it's not going to stop bullying altogether. But it will take it to a lower level. At least there's a better chance of that. I mean, who doesn't want to live forever?

Locked up tight

A bird in a cage.

When will you be out

Before dawn?

The crane slipped.

The turtle fell

Look around; we're starting over.