School life

Ding dong

The toll of the school bell echoed through the bustling classroom, where students eagerly prepared for their lunch break. Amidst the commotion, Rio William, a boy with sleek black hair and piercing brown eyes, sat silently with his face buried in his desk. The other students chattered and moved about, their voices filling the room.

"Look at Rio, just sitting there as always, not doing anything," someone whispered.

"I couldn't agree more. I don't like him," another replied. "While we work hard to earn good grades, he just lounges around and still manages to excel. It's annoying for those of us who actually put in the effort."

Rio overheard their hushed conversation, a simmering mixture of bitterness and anger welling within him. "Yes, keep talking," he thought to himself. "I know that each and every one of you despise me, but I despise you all as well. In fact, I would relish seeing you and your families suffer a slow and agonizing death by fire." However, he wisely refrained from uttering these thoughts aloud, recognizing that the entire class would swiftly turn against him.

Despite facing constant bullying and even threats of violence, he managed to find some support from the teachers. However, there were times when even they sided with the bullies, allowing the torment to continue. As a result, he endured daily beatings and was alienated from his peers, with no girls interested in him and boys using him as a convenient servant. They would exploit him, demanding he purchase things for them using his own money, and if he refused, he would face further abuse from the bullies.

As lunchtime approached, Rio slowly rose from his chair, his mind filled with dread. Safely stowing his empty book in his worn black bag, he hoisted it onto his weary shoulders. Determined to evade the relentless tormentors, he hurriedly made his way out of the classroom. His sole focus was to escape their clutches, knowing all too well the fate that would awaited him.

As Rio swiftly strode down the expansive hallway, he caught the faint sound of someone exiting the classroom behind him. Interrupting his thoughts, a familiar voice filled the air. "Hey loser, I need you to fetch something for me from the store." Rio turned around, only to come face to face with the notorious school bully, Michael Kane. With his blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, Michael stood there in the school's standard uniform, a sleek black and blue suit complete with a blue shirt and tie, and black jacket and pants.

Although gripped by dread, Rio managed to respond, his voice quivering. "Sure, Michael. What do you need?" Michael raised his hand, sending a shiver down Rio's spine. In an instant, his hand came crashing against Rio's cheek. The commotion drew the attention of the bystanders in the hallway, as they peered curiously in their direction. Michael's voice boomed, filled with disdain. "What did I tell you to call me?"

"My apologies, master," Rio muttered, casting his gaze downwards, fighting back tears. The surrounding students seized the opportunity to mock and belittle him, amused by the spectacle unfolding before them.

"Now, what is it that you want, master?" Rio inquired. Michael's response was expected. "The usual - a sandwich and grape soda." Rio nodded obediently as his face still stung from the impact, he continued on his way, determined not to let his tormentor see him falter.

In order to ensure that Michael had food, Rio had to sacrifice his own lunch money and even dip into his allowance sometimes. His mother, Lisa, often witnessed Rio returning home battered and bruised, but she was too busy with work to intervene. Rio tried to avoid burdening his mother by making excuses like falling down the stairs or accidentally walking into walls, although their frequency eventually led to arguments between them.

Walking through the hallway with his head down, Rio could hear laughter and whispers from the students. "Weirdo," they called him, mocking his presence. Suddenly, a teacher appeared and cleared the hallway, redirecting the students to their respective destinations.

Moving along with the crowd, Rio climbed the stairs to the cafeteria. The room was filled with students chatting and eating at the numerous tables. Rio couldn't help but ponder why life seemed so unfair as he approached the cafeteria store. With his 3 dollars , he purchased a sandwich and a grape soda for Michael, leaving himself without anything to eat.

"Guess I won't be eating today either," Rio muttered, disappointed as he glanced at the five cents in his hand. Consuming the sandwich and grape juice himself would be a terrible idea, so he searched the crowded cafeteria for Michael.

Rio walked over to Michael's lunch table, where he found him conversing with his numerous friends. "Master," Rio said, approaching him slowly, "I have obtained the stuff you asked for ." As the many friends at the table laughed, Michael reached out to take the bag.

As Rio walked away, he couldn't help but think to himself, "The bastard didn't even say thank you." Finding an empty table in the corner, he sat down, retrieved his phone, and decided to check social media for something uplifting.

Upon turning on his phone, which had suffered a crack after Michael had thrown it out the window, Rio was immediately drawn to a news notification. "Hmm, the news. I wonder what this is. I hope it's something like the end of the world, so I can finally escape from this nightmare."

Clicking on the notification, Rio was directed to a website with a headline that read "Strange and Sudden Appearance of Large Sinkholes on Every Continent - What Is the Cause?" Rio found the topic of sinkholes quite peculiar as he scrolled down, examining the numerous pictures. As he reached the end of the website, he discovered a final statement: "People can observe the sinkholes, but they cannot enter them. Strangely, any attempts to do so result in individuals simply walking over them, as if they do not exist. Nevertheless, the sinkholes remain clearly visible to everyone's eyes, proving their existence."

That's very strange. Maybe it was painted, but it truly appears so real that it's hard to believe it's not genuine. Also, it seems to be emerging across all continents.

Good morning, Rio. How are you? Rio slowly turned off his phone and looked up. "Oh no, it's her," he said, glancing at Michael, who was watching him closely. Then, his gaze shifted to the person who greeted him. Her name was Alissa White, with long black hair and striking blue eyes. She wore the girls' school uniform - a blue and black pinafore dress, a white long sleeve blouse, and a blue necktie.

Not her again. Alissa sat down next to Rio, who immediately lowered his head onto the table. This situation was especially difficult because Michael had a crush on Alissa. Anytime she sat near Rio or tried to talk to him, Michael would become enraged and use it as an excuse to hurt him.

"So, lovely weather we're having, don't you think?" Alissa said, reaching into her bag and pulling out a small black square container filled with food. However, Rio remained silent, keeping his face buried in the desk while she ate her lunch.

After finishing her meal, Alissa spoke up. "I'm sorry that Michael is targeting you because of me. But even though you're being bullied, I don't think it's fair for you to go through high school without any friends. That's why I've been trying to get to know you. However, I'm sorry if I've only caused you pain and suffering in the process."

Hearing her words, Rio still didn't lift his head. Alissa let out a deep sigh, placed the container back into her bag, and stood up, getting ready to leave for class. But before she left, she glanced at Rio one more time.

"It seems you don't understand," Micheal said sharply, demanding Rio's attention. The urgency in his tone made Rio snap his head up from the table, fully attentive.

"Don't you dare come near her again, or even inhale the same air as she does," Micheal threatened, his voice filled with menace. "If I catch you anywhere near her, I will make sure you pay with your life. Do you understand ?"

"Yes, master," Rio replied, his voice filled with fear.

Satisfied with Rio's response, Micheal nodded curtly and turned away, striding purposefully. As he left, Rio noticed Alissa's presence, observing the entire situation. Sensing her gaze, he slowly straightened himself and discreetly made his way back to the classroom, where the day continued without further incident.