Seventy-Seven

Kira

The bruises on my skin were not as nasty as I'd expected.  Despite the purple and blue lines on my arms, I wasn't in pain. I felt better after lying my back on the cold floor, allowing the chill to seep into my bones. The pain was minimal, with only a faint pinch against my neck as if an invisible needle had been pressed into the skin.

I shut my eyes, attempting to block out the memories of cruel words and mocking laughter that lingered in my mind. I couldn't get over the humiliation caused by the bullies at school. Their taunts and jeers rang in my ears, and I wondered why people enjoyed bullying and found satisfaction in tearing others down.

Anger rose within me, and I made a silent vow to myself. That these bullies would be held accountable for their cruelty one day, whatever it took. 

Zion entered with a plate containing frankincense, a woody and spicy fragrance that soothed my sou