This dispute made Lizza feel as if her world was collapsing, and she couldn’t find a shoulder to lean on.
Lizza’s emotions reached their limit during the argument with the teacher. She held back her tears, packed her backpack, filled with resentment and despair. Her classmates cast strange glances at her, and she felt like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to escape.
“I don’t want to stay here anymore!” she muttered to herself, a strong urge to escape surging within her. Without thinking much, she quickly gathered her things and rushed out of the classroom, heading straight for the school gate.
The sunlight outside was blinding but could not illuminate the gloom in her heart. Lizza’s mood sank to the lowest point; she decided not to think about those depressing things anymore and just wanted to find a place to calm down. She aimlessly walked toward the park outside the community, the echoes of her classmates’ laughter and the teacher’s reprimands cutting through her heart like a knife.
Entering the park, the surrounding noise seemed to be isolated. The leaves swayed gently in the breeze, making a rustling sound, yet it could not quell her inner anxiety. She sat on a bench, hugging her knees, lowering her head, trying hard not to let the tears fall.
“Why do they treat me like this?” she spoke to herself, the scenery before her gradually blurring. Her heart was filled with grievance and helplessness, feeling out of place in this class; no matter how hard she tried, she could not gain recognition.
At that moment, the laughter of a few children in the distance broke her silence. She looked up and saw a group of little kids playing joyfully, and a hint of envy rose in her heart. She remembered her childhood, when she used to play carefree in the park; those simple joys now felt so distant.
Just then, her phone vibrated. Taking it out, she saw a message from Mike. She hesitated for a moment but still opened the message. The brief text from Mike brought a slight calm to her heart: “Lizza, what’s wrong? I’m waiting for you; where are you?”
Seeing this message, a warmth surged in her heart. Although Mike often teased her, deep down, she truly valued their friendship. She quickly replied, “I’m at the park, nothing’s wrong.”
Mike’s reply came right away: “I’ll come find you.”
However, Lizza did not see this; after replying that she was fine, she continued to gaze at the falling leaves.
Not long after, Mike’s figure appeared in her line of sight, his steps quick and determined, as if he was hurrying to check on her. Seeing Mike, a complex emotion surged within Lizza, a mix of gratitude and heartache.
“What are you doing here?” she forced a smile, but her heart remained heavy.
Mike frowned, not answering her question, but sitting beside her, looking at her with concern, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
“Did you argue with your classmates again?” he finally spoke, his voice low and gentle.
Lizza’s heart tightened, and she lowered her head, tears flowing down uncontrollably. She said painfully, “I really don’t want to go to school anymore; everyone dislikes me, even the teacher misunderstands me… I’m so tired. Today I had a dispute with the teacher in class; they must be talking bad about me behind my back. I don’t know what to do about the situation with the teacher.”
Mike’s gaze grew more concerned. He didn’t rush to comfort her but quietly listened as she poured out her heart. Lizza felt a bit relieved and continued, “I was already feeling unwell today; I just wanted to finish the exam, but then my classmates touched me in the classroom. They don’t know my situation and keep laughing at me behind my back.”
She could no longer suppress her emotions, feeling increasingly wronged, and tears streamed down her face. Mike silently leaned her head against his shoulder, not saying a word, but his actions provided her with the greatest support. She felt an invisible strength, as if it could withstand all the storms.
“No matter what, I will be with you,” Mike finally said, his voice firm and powerful. “No matter what happens, I will support you.”
Lizza nodded silently, feeling a warmth in her heart. It seemed that in Mike’s embrace, all her unhappiness could be resolved; every moment of sadness felt like it would dissipate as long as he was there.
