Reflections
This is Family

The next day, I entered the teacher's room, sitting in a chair that felt a little uncomfortable, heart pounding looking forward to the moment of reporting the bullying incident caught by my cell phone camera. The teacher's room felt quite formal with dark-colored wooden furniture and windows that let the morning light in gently. There was an aura of authority and knowledge in the room, but there was also tension in the air that caused a nervousness in me.

My formal-dressed classroom guardian with a stern face responded, "We take the bullying case very seriously at this school. We'll take care of this matter soon."

I felt a drop of sweat running down my temple, a nervous feeling I had expected since last night.

"We will take care of this matter soon" he continued, his voice full of confidence. I took a deep breath as he continued his speech. "We won't tolerate this kind of behavior in our school environment" I sighed

I let out a sigh of relief. I feel lucky because it seems like this matter will not be too enlarged. My hope is greater that the actions taken by the school will have a positive effect and

giving lessons to Rico and his conspirators. In a hopeful and suspenseful atmosphere, I left the teacher room feeling relieved that I had finally reported the thing that had plagued my mind these late.

Back then, I regretted not making sure I went into the teacher's room alone.

The break bell rang, welcoming the crowd of students who rushed to leave the classroom. I followed, down the crowded school hallway with conversation and laughter. The atmosphere of this High School is quite prestigious, visible from the classic architectural design and art ornaments on the walls. Cool air enters through large windows that open the view to the shady school grounds.

My eyes were on Rico, who was being approached by a teacher with a serious face. I could hear a piece of their conversation, "Rico, I have a little business with you. Come to the room immediately

sire." Rico nodded and replied, "Good sir."

Looking at the situation, I sighed deeply - deeply in my heart. Okay, maybe this is easier than my shadow. However, my instant vision was looking around for the ghost, the strange girl who always followed me, but she was nowhere to be seen.

At that time, I should have known, this matter would not be solved that easily.

The bell home from school rang, breaking the atmosphere in the corridor that was filled with low boisterous students. The afternoon light shone on the steps of those who were running towards the exit. The sound of footsteps

fill the air, and soon the school will be deserted. I scrunched my forehead, feeling the fatigue that enveloped my body after a day of activities at this school. I tidied my book in my bag, relieved that it would end today.

However, before I could step out, Rico's hand gently patted my shoulder. I turned to her with a puzzled expression, and she immediately whispered something into my ear. "You, come along

with me." with me."

“Ha, why?“ I asked, in a low-sounding voice. He raised his eyebrows, perhaps a little distracted by my question. "I'll talk to you for a minute."

I hesitated, afraid that something might go wrong. I don't want to get into trouble. However, before I could refuse or say anything, Rico squeezed my shoulders a little hard. Our eye view

meet, and I know he's serious.

"I said stand up" he whispered in a stern tone. A nervous feeling slipped in, creating a strange vibration in my stomach. I know, if I refuse, it could get worse. I nodded slowly, trying to maintain a face expression that remained calm. "You don't want to make a fuss, do you?" he continued in a lower voice, as if making sure his words were only heard by me.

We arrived at a hidden corner of the park inside the school area. The cool air of the evening greeted my skin as the sun was already falling behind the horizon. Here, he stood in the middle of his two friends.

My steps came to a halt, feeling stiff by their presence. He began to ask, his voice hissing among the leaves.

"Why did you report to the teachers?" his insistence, a sharp sounding sound in the calm twilight air.

"Eh, but I didn't report—" I said, but my words were cut off when he cut.

"Don't lie, I already know," he said in a mocking tone. And suddenly, in front of me, there was a video I thought only I knew. I feel shocked. Why does he have that video?

He showed me a video of me reporting to the teacher. My breath stopped for a moment. A moment of fear struck my mind.

"Why did you do it?" He said, the look in his eyes as if piercing sharply through my eyes.

I feel a little cornered. This is not a situation I can easily avoid. I feel the vibration

When a human faces danger, the brain will give three responses: opponent, run, or freeze. Now is not the time to think about the video. I have to act. I gotta move.

In an instant, I felt my heart beat faster. My body was shaking uncontrollably, and I knew it was time. However, before I could respond, an attack came.

I felt my body slamming, and a stinging pain in various places. My body seemed to be subjected to countless blows. The kick in my stomach sent a sharp stabbing pain. I don't know since when, I forgot, getting kicked in the stomach was very painful.

Now is not the time to think about pain, it is time to fight. Looking at Rico's face, my whole body stopped moving. "No need!" I murmured inwardly, I knew I couldn't win, if I fought him, things would only get worse. I can only hope, he will be satisfied soon and stop.

I lay alone on the ground, feeling weak and helpless. Pain filled my body, it felt as if I was

they could die from the wind. I tried to gather all my strength, but it all felt futile. I felt I couldn't breathe, couldn't muster the strength to move.

Haha, they even made sure to hit me on the covered part of the shirt. They are very experienced. Moments like this make me wonder. Shouldn't schools be places to study? Since when did school become like a jungle?

"Is this what other students feel every day?" I murmured in my heart, contemplating the situation around me.

Suddenly, he reappeared. The ghost came unexpectedly. "Your back must have hurt" he said without pity, only in a flat-sounding voice.

"Why are you here?" ask me in a soft voice.

"I'm not strong" he replied.

"You're so pathetic. Whoareyou? Stupid people? What do you think will happen if you follow them?" ask the ghost, patting her face.

"Maybe you're right" I murmured inwardly,

“But hey, isn't this what you want? Shouldn't you be happy? I got my reply?" I whispered in my heart.

"Slightly," he replied with a subtle smile. It was probably the first time I was grateful for his presence. Having someone to talk to, gives me a little peace of mind.

I walked alone in the hallway of the school, my footsteps sounding quiet amid the hustle and bustle of student activity. However, suddenly, I accidentally heard the voices of conversation from inside a teacher's room

which opens. Interested, I paused for a moment to listen.

“So why did you call Rico?” asked the voice of a teacher, sounding like a light joke.

Ah, right too. How can he be brave. I feel a little interested in this conversation.

"There were students reporting bullying" replied the second teacher, my homeroom teacher. "So, I'm scolding

little." little."

A small laugh accompanied the first reply. “Whatever he will stop?”

The second teacher sounded relaxed, laughing a little. “Haha, he's still a kid. Let them fight for a moment. Later, they will also be tired themselves.”. “Now I am busy taking care of other classes, I do not have time to take care of trivial things gini.” he said again.

When I heard them say that they only thought of this as an ordinary teenage quarrel, disappointment flashed through my heart.

I stood outside the room, feeling mixed in my mind. We take bullying seriously, he said.

But, from this conversation, it looks like everything is just a small talk. They'll just shut up and let it all go.

I almost yelled, "Fuckin' liar." However, I chose to remain calm in my place, despite my growing frustration.

At that time, I thought all my misadventures would end here. But, it seems like the world still has other plans for me.