I stood beside my mother at her friend's daughter's graduation ceremony, the familiar mumble of the crowd and the unseen gazes of strangers settling heavily upon me.
"Sofia, dear, can I get you something to drink? Water?" my mom asked, her voice soft lacing with concern.
"No, I just need to step out, I need some fresh air. It's a bit stuffy here." I said, fidgeting with my hands.
"Okay dear, let's go" She offered, already leading me outside, while reaching for my hand.
"N..No, I can go by myself, mom. Go have fun."
I said with a grin. I wanted her to go to her friends, and have fun, not hovering and worrying over me all the time.
"You're sure sweetheart?" she asked, concern laced in her voice.
"Yes. Ma. Go." I giggled, hoping to reassure her. I took my cane and carefully made my way outside, welcoming fresh air.
As I stood outside, the cool evening breeze wrapped around me, a brief moment of peace.
But the chattering of girls nearby made me suddenly feel uneasy. Being out here alone suddenly didn't seem like a good idea.
Suddenly some girls came over, then I felt a sharp pull on my hair making me wince.
" Well, well, well, if it isn't the blind bat."
I recognised that voice instantly. Beth. The girl who bullied me ever since we were kids.
"Wh...what do you want Beth?" I asked as my voice trembled and tears stung the corner of my eyes.
" Oh nothing" she drawled, amusement thick in her voice. "Just here to show you my graduation certificate." Laughter erupted around her.
Then mockingly, she gasped "Oh, shoot I forgot, she's blind."
More Laughter.
"I guess we're gonna have to take her to the place" her voice dripped with wicked delight.
Panic surged in "Beth, what place?" I whispered, tears streaming down my face freely. "How dare you question me, you low life?" she spat before slamming a fist into my sides.
I fell down, crying from pain. The laughter around grew louder.
My scalp seared with pain as Beth dragged me across the ground by my hair.
"Please Beth! Don't do this!" but all I got in return was laughter.
No one could hear me. No one was coming to save me. The thought sent fresh terror coursing through making my cries even louder, until a fist slammed into my jaw.
"Shut the hell up bitch" Beth hissed.
I whimpered, tasting blood on my lip.
"Now", she said, her breath heavy with exertion. "you're gonna repeat after me."
"Wh...what, I.. I don't understand" my voice wavered, barely above a whisper.
Before I could process what was happening, Beth shoved my head down into water.
Panic surged in and I was struggling to breathe. Cold liquid rushed into my nose, my lungs burning from lack of oxygen, as I thrashed.
I was losing consciousness slowly, I thought of my mom.
I saw my life flash before my eyes. Was this the end? Until I heard a voice.
"What are you doing to her?" A voice boomed.
Suddenly, I crashed to the ground struggling to breath. My lungs, desperate for oxygen.
They all disappeared into the night
"Are you...okay?"