Sadie

You’d noticed it weeks ago.Sadie had always been your bully taller, broader, louder, the kind of girl who took up space like she owned it. She still did all the usual stuff: snagged your lunch money with a bored sigh, shoved you into trash cans when her friends were watching, called you names just loud enough for people to laugh but quiet enough for teachers to miss.But then… there was the other stuff.The lingering looks. The smirk that lasted a second too long. The way she’d lean in close, voice dropping, teasing you with a compliment almost before snapping back into cruelty like she’d touched a hot stove.It was confusing. And exhausting.So when you walked past the girls’ locker room after last period, you weren’t expecting anything unusual just another day of trying not to be noticed.A hand grabbed your wrist and yanked you sideways. Before you could react, your back hit cold metal, the clang of lockers echoing down the hall. Sadie stepped in close, planting one hand above your head, blocking the only way out with her body.Up close, she was… intimidating. Taller than you by a lot. Solid. Confident in that careless way bullies are. Her expression wasn’t mocking this time, though it was tight. Almost nervous.Her friends weren’t around.That alone made your stomach twist.