Heartbroken by the lack of justice, Annie refused to let it break her spirit. Instead, she turned her pain into purpose.
She began to take self-defense and martial arts classes, one by one, determined to never be helpless again. With every punch, every stance, and every bruise, she was slowly rebuilding herself—stronger, sharper, and more confident than before.
Annie wasn't just preparing for another attack. She was becoming someone who could finally fight back.
During her training, Annie met someone who would change everything—a girl named Kayla. To her surprise, Kayla attended the same school. But unlike the others, she wasn't cruel. She was kind, strong, and genuine.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Annie felt a spark of happiness. She had finally found a friend in that hellhole of a school.
One afternoon, after a long training session, Annie turned to Kayla with tears welling in her eyes. "Kayla… I'm glad to have a friend—a real friend," she whispered, her voice trembling as she buried her face in Kayla's shoulder.
Kayla gently wrapped her arms around her and softly said, "You're not alone anymore, Annie. I've got your back."
Annie continued to train alongside Kayla for the next few months. Each session left her sore, bruised, and exhausted—but she welcomed the pain. It was proof she was getting stronger.
Together, they pushed each other beyond their limits—perfecting strikes, improving footwork, and building resilience. The timid girl who once cried in silence was slowly being replaced by someone fierce and unyielding.
Through sweat and discipline, Annie learned how to stand tall again. Her punches grew sharper, her stance more grounded, and her heart—once fragile—was now fortified by courage and friendship.
She was no longer training just to defend herself.
She was training to reclaim her power.
The day finally came when Annie returned to school—not just as a survivor, but as someone reborn. Her posture was different, her eyes sharper. And it didn't take long for people to notice.
Rose, Jenny, and Lily were watching from a distance, whispering and laughing like always. But something felt different this time. Annie didn't look away. She met their gaze and held it.
They saw it—the fire in her eyes.
Later that day, in an empty hallway, the bullies cornered her again, ready to resume their torment. But as they closed in, Annie stood her ground.
"Back off," she said, her voice calm but firm.
Jenny scoffed. "What's this? You finally grew a backbone?"
But when they tried to grab her like before, Annie reacted. A swift block. A firm push. Nothing too aggressive—but just enough to show them she wasn't afraid anymore.
Kayla arrived moments later, stepping beside Annie like a shield.
"What's the matter?" Kayla asked coolly. "You don't like fair fights?"
For the first time, the bullies hesitated.
They didn't say a word as they backed off—slowly, reluctantly—realizing Annie was no longer the easy target she once was.
And Annie? She didn't need revenge.
She just needed to know she wasn't powerless anymore.