3.01

Early Tuesday morning, I went for my usual run, a routine I started to improve my stamina after a humiliating incident in February. This early, Brockton Bay felt like an abandoned town, a refreshing change from the usual hustle. My training regimen was focused on building endurance, and I’d noticed a significant improvement in my fitness over the past three and a half months. My route varied daily, but it often led me to either the Docks or the Boardwalk. I avoided the more dangerous parts of the Docks, sticking to the main roads leading to the Boardwalk.

Reaching the Boardwalk, I found Brian, one of the guys I’d met yesterday, waiting for me. He was dressed impeccably, a stark contrast to his casual appearance the previous day. He had brought donuts and coffee from a nearby cafe, an extravagant gesture considering their line of work. We chatted as we enjoyed our breakfast, overlooking the beach. He apologized for Rachel’s behavior the previous night and assured me that she was starting to accept me as a new member of the team. He explained Rachel’s troubled past, growing up in foster care, which had made her antisocial and difficult to deal with.

I showed him my power to control simple-minded creatures, using a nearby crab as an example. He seemed impressed, and we shared a moment of camaraderie. He invited me back to their place, but I had to decline, needing to get ready for school. He then surprised me with a key to their apartment, telling me I was welcome there anytime. I agreed to visit later that day and headed home, feeling a growing sense of dread about returning to school.

The previous day’s humiliation at the hands of Emma and Sophia was still fresh in my mind. I knew I had to face the consequences of missing two afternoons of school, including a missed art project. Going to Mr. Gladly’s class was especially daunting, knowing he had turned a blind eye to my bullying. I’d faced these feelings before, especially after returning from a week in psychiatric observation following a particularly brutal incident.

To cope, I made deals with myself, focusing on the small things I could look forward to, like a quiet lunch break or hanging out with Brian, Lisa, and Alec. As I got off the bus, I saw Sophia, fresh from track practice, talking and laughing with some girls. Even though I knew they likely weren’t talking about me, it still hurt. Sophia mocked me, and I couldn’t bring myself to face her or the others.

Instead, I turned around and walked away, catching the bus back to the docks. I knew it would be harder to go back tomorrow, but the relief of not having to face them was overwhelming. I’d been fighting against this for a long time, and it was just easier to give in, even knowing the consequences I’d face for missing more school.