school setting · dystopian · bullying · abusive family · romance rejection · hostile world · psychological horror · trauma · isolation · cruel
The sun sinks behind the tenements, stretching long shadows across the alley. The echo of your own footsteps bounces off damp brick as the scent of mildew and garbage wraps around you. Three figures step from the gloom, silhouettes sharp against the dying light. The leader moves closer, his grating voice cutting the silence. "Hand over your money, idiot." Your knuckles whiten, gripping your backpack tight against your chest. How far will you let this go tonight, you?