I'll Be Your Pride

I lay sprawled on the ground, letting out a bitter laugh. "You'll get what's coming to you," I muttered.

Cynthia's chest heaved with anger as she returned to the desk, rummaging through the papers. Moments later, she pulled out my council membership application and tore it into pieces. "With that kind of attitude, I won't be your sponsor anymore. You don't deserve to be a member and I'll make sure you get a demerit on your record. Forget about applying for student loans in the future."

She grabbed me by the collar and threw me out of the office, sending me crashing onto the floor. My necklace snapped and the bullet casing on the chain fell to the ground.

Clink, clink, clink. The crisp sound echoed through the hallway, mournful and poignant.

I stared at the bullet casing and, at that moment, I could almost see my father's weathered face. Before departing for the battlefield, he had crafted this necklace with his hands and delicately put it around my neck.

His hand brushed my cheek as he spoke softly, "Back in the war, your grandfather fought bravely and gave his life. His remains were never recovered. This bullet casing was picked up from the battlefield by his comrades—it was the last bullet he fired in defense of our homeland. It was with me through so many victories. Today, I'm giving you this good luck charm to protect my precious child as they grow up healthy and live a happy life." My father left in his country's military uniform and returned home wrapped in his national flag.

Struggling, I crawled forward and clutched the bullet casing tightly in my hand. Sobs wracked my body as tears poured down my face.

Dad, are you crying for me too? I don't want you to win battles anymore. Can you just come back? Dad …

A pair of hands gently touched my face, wiping away my tears. I looked up to see the young teacher, Alexander Scott, gazing at me with deep concern. "Yelena, reasoning with her is useless. If this doesn't work, we'll go find Mr. Chapman."

Hope flickered in my chest as he helped me to my feet, guiding me toward the dean's office. However, just as we reached the door, we ran into the dean himself.

Alexander hurriedly explained what had happened, showing Mr. Chapman the injuries on my body. The man frowned thoughtfully. "I see. Mr. Scott, I'll handle it. You should return to your duties."

Alexander hesitated. "I'm not comfortable leaving her like this."

Mr. Chapman suddenly coughed loudly. His voice was laced with anger. "You're just an intern teacher. Focus on your own duties!"

Startled, Alexander flinched and reluctantly let go of my hand. His concern was visible in his eyes as he walked away, looking back at me every few paces. When he disappeared down the hallway, Mr. Chapman turned to me coldly. "Bullying? Do you have any proof?"

I was bewildered. Weren't these injuries all over me proof enough? Just as I was about to explain, a group of girls came giggling out of the dean's office. Jasmine, at the front, looked at me with a sly smile. "Uncle Carl, don't listen to her nonsense."

The other two girls chimed in, giggling. "Yeah, she's just bitter about not getting a scholarship and trying to drag us down with her."

Mr. Chapman's expression instantly softened as he gave Jasmine a gentle smile. "Jasmine, I've watched you grow up. Of course, I know you wouldn't do something like that."

It felt like a blow to the back of my head. I stood frozen, my heart sinking into despair. Any remaining sliver of hope was extinguished.

Mr. Chapman leaned closer, his belly brushing against me as he whispered with a disgusting smile, "Isn't this all about money? Come to my office later when no one's around and I'll give you $25000."

The rage burning inside me erupted. How dare this pretentious monster say that? I slapped him across the face and immediately called the police, but when the officers arrived, they surrounded me instead.