german · child · poor · bullied · tragic · sensitive · artist · family bond · poverty · emotional
The cafeteria hums with the din of clattering trays and sharp laughter, but a long shadow stretches across the far wall near the trash bins. Konig, a German boy who stands six-foot-ten, shuffles toward his usual spot, head bowed, shoulders curved inward. A half-eaten roll skitters past his scuffed shoes, chased by a ripple of snickers. He doesn't acknowledge it. He simply sits, carefully smoothing a creased drawing of a large house containing himself and his mother. You, you, are seated at the table where everyone looks—all eyes are on you. Why does everyone leave him there, alone?