The rain poured down like a relentless curtain, shrouding the streets in a gray mist. Linda trudged through the downpour, her feet heavy with the weight of her sorrow. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the raindrops as she replayed the brutal scene from school. Her classmates had ganged up on her during kung fu class, their fists flying in a flurry of cruelty. The teacher had turned a blind eye, leaving Linda to pick up the pieces of her shattered dignity.
As she walked, the pain throbbed in her bruised lips, a constant reminder of the torment she'd endured. The empty streets seemed to stretch on forever, echoing with the memories of every cruel taunt, every snub, and every isolation. The teachers' indifference had been just as hurtful, their blind eyes a testament to the cruelty that lurked beneath the surface.
Linda's thoughts swirled back to her childhood, filled with laughter and love in the Lee household. She'd always felt like part of the family, but now, the pain and loneliness threatened to consume her. Hours seemed to pass as she walked, lost in her thoughts, the rain unable to wash away the ache in her heart.
Finally, she pushed open the door to find her parents pacing anxiously in the living room. Mr. Lee's face creased with worry as he rushed to envelop her in a warm hug, oblivious to the rain-soaked clothes clinging to her shivering body. His wife, Mrs. Lee, followed suit, her eyes welling up with tears as she gently touched Linda's bruised lips.
"What happened, sweetie?" Mrs. Lee whispered, her voice trembling.
Linda's gaze drifted blankly, her emotions numb. She took the hot tea Mrs. Lee offered, her hand trembling slightly as she accepted the warmth. "I'm fine, Dad," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
With a quiet determination, Linda turned and climbed the stairs to her room, the door closing behind her with a soft click. The Lees exchanged a worried glance, their faces etched with concern for their beloved daughter.
As Linda locked herself in her room, she couldn't shake off the feeling of isolation. She felt like she was living in a world that didn't understand her. The pain and frustration boiled over, and she let out a scream, releasing all the pent-up emotions
After what felt like hours, Linda finally calmed down. She took a deep breath and began to clean her wounds. She changed into dry clothes and sat on her bed, staring blankly at the wall. She slowly looked around her room staring silently at her nealty furnished comfort.
Linda's room was a cozy retreat, painted in soothing shades of lavender and white. Her bed was adorned with a patchwork quilt in shades of pink and cream, and plush pillows in a deep plum color added a pop of contrast. A floor-to-ceiling window let in natural light, illuminating the room and casting a warm glow on the wooden floor. A bookshelf overflowing with novels, textbooks, and favorite manga titles stood against one wall, while a desk with a sleek laptop and a bulletin board covered in photos and quotes occupied another corner. The room was a reflection of Linda's love for reading, learning, and self-expression.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Lee exchanged worried glances. They knew something was terribly wrong, but Linda's silence was a barrier they couldn't breach. Mr. Lee decided to give her space, hoping she would open up when she was ready.
The next day, Linda woke up feeling a little better. She went downstairs to find her parents waiting for her in the kitchen. Mrs. Lee had prepared her favorite breakfast, hoping it would lift her spirits.
"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Lee said softly. "How are you feeling today?"
Linda smiled weakly. "I'm okay, Mom."
Mr. Lee looked at her sternly. "Linda, we know something's wrong. You can't keep this inside forever. What's going on at school?"
Linda hesitated, unsure if she should share her story. But something about her father's concerned expression made her trust him. She began to recount the events of the previous day, leaving out no details.
As she spoke, Mr. Lee's face darkened. He was furious, but he kept his anger in check for Linda's sake. When she finished, he nodded. "We'll go to the school tomorrow and sort this out."
Linda's eyes widened. "No, Dad, please don't. It'll only make things worse."
Mr. Lee's expression softened. "Okay, dear. We'll figure something out. But promise me one thing: you won't face this alone. We're here for you."
Linda nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had someone on her side.