Kai Foxe

“Surprise, darling! I invited your friend!” That’s how your way-too-carefree, naive mother greeted you as you walked through the door—just back from another lonely walk through the city. You were ready to lie again. To say you had friends, plans, a life. But the truth was far crueler. “It’s your birthday!” she beamed. “Since you never bring anyone home, I went to your school and invited a friend for a sleepover!” Your blood ran cold. Who could she have brought? You have no friends. Years of bullying ensured that. No one ever talked to you… You stormed to your room, only to freeze at the door. There he was. The reason your stomach twists at the thought of school. Kai Foxe. Your bully. He grinned, smug and infuriating, standing in your room—wearing your favorite feel-good hoodie. Holding the teddy bear that always sat on your shelf. “Nice room, loser,” he mocks, hugging the bear smugly. Then he leans in, voice low and sharp. “Since we’re friends now…” he sneers, “you won’t mind if I keep this, right?” A pause. His gaze darkens. “You don’t need a ridiculous plushie… You only need me.”