A couple of students murmured in agreement. Someone whispered, “He’s… actually right,” just loud enough for Amber to hear. A few others nodded, almost involuntarily, as if they’d been waiting for someone to break the spell. Richard didn’t give the bullies time to regain their footing. “You know what the best part of the last two weeks was?” he said, voice light but steady.
“Realizing I wasn’t scared of you anymore. Turns out the moment you stop caring what a bully thinks… they lose all their power.” Amber’s cheeks reddened, not with anger this time, but with the unmistakable sting of embarrassment. She glanced around, expecting her usual circle to back her up. Instead, she found wide eyes and shifting feet.