*Saffron*
[Meanwhile, in Taahid]
I rested my head against the backseat car window and closed my eyes as Uneri drove through the desert.
***
[Approximately Eight Years Ago]
I smiled as I finished my paper mâché sculpture. It was in the shape of a raven.
"Nice piñata," a kid said, walking in.
I frowned. It was Rodrigo, a bully I'd butt heads with repeatedly. This time, he had brought friends with him.
I bit my lip as they walked over.
"Thanks for making it for us, loner," he said, grabbing the raven.
I looked at him, my eyes wide. "H-hey, give it back."
He grinned. "Ya want it back? Fight me."
I sighed and shook my head.
"Tch, weak."
I winced as they began to kick around my raven as if it were a ball.
"S-stop that!" I yelled.
"Make me, loner."
I clenched my fists. I hated this. I hated how powerless I felt. But I didn't want to fight. If I did, I would get in trouble. I didn't wanna cause trouble for Ma. I turned around and walked away, letting them have their fun.
