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ek High School. Lila Emerson rushed down the corridor, head dropped, attemptin

the din of students. "Why don't you open that p

el their gaze on her, burning into her back like hot coals. A nasty chuckl

it would calm her racing heart. The taunts faded into the distance, bu

llow Lila everywhere she went. She headed out down the usual walk, her thoughts

abeth, welcomed her with a loving grin. "She's upstairs, honey," she

n in response. She climbed the stairs, eac

as propped up against a stack of pillows, her once-vibrant skin pale and strained tight a

id, her voice bare

reached out to grab Mia's hand. Her

hard time again?" Mia inquire

ing a series of flowing gestur

'em," she signed back, her movements slow but resolute. "They're jus

he grasped Mia's hand, grateful for her un

"sometimes I wonder if it's simpler this way. I

. "It's just... sometimes it seems like the world is aga

eyes were filled with ferocious intent, and her fingers mov

es glistened with unshed tears. "Yeah," she sai

er's company. The weight of the world appeared to lighten, if only fo

ws throughout the room. Lila knew she ought to leave, but she couldn't

pleaded, her

air, her heart filled with fierce lov

the hard realities of a world that was frequently brutal and unforgiving. But, in that

ach other's presence. But as the Sun rays of light broke thr

presence beside her bed. "You're still here," she

Her fingers moved smoothly, "Of co

een them, a silent acknowledgmen

, which was gradually becoming brighter. "Another

e vicious comments and jeers at school. But, for Mia's sake, she faked a

ension. "Will you at least try to

dismissively. "I will be alright

ew better than to fight with her stubbor

affectionate gesture. Her fingers skated across Mia's palm, f

le, and she gently squeezed Lila's

towards the door, each step feeling like a lead weight. She hesitated in th

anxiety. "Stay safe," she said quietly,

eth's quiet voice interrupted he

ed. Sarah's eyes were rimmed with heavy circles from

ing Lila's emotive gestures while Mia translated her friend's si

sly as Mia's words rang out, deciphering her thoughts. "Mr

ching Lila's cheek with parental tenderne

pair. Mia's hands moved methodically as she said the phrases

inued to echo Lila's views. "Honey, he's doing his best."

rs communicating what her mouth couldn't. "It still hurts a l

hey remained like this for a long time, Elizabeth protecting Lila from the harsh facts of life with her

Lila's final words. Thank you, Mrs.

nd sneers she would face at Willow Creek High. But this time, she took Mia's words a