Chains Lifted: Her Second Act

"Why aren't you doing anything about it?" Larissa asked as Harmony went to a bed and lay down.

"Why is the school unaware? I mean, what I did was big," Harmony replied.

"The evidence was removed before any teachers could see it. Somehow, no one has spoken up, as if they've all decided it's better to harass you than get you expelled."

Harmony sat up, looking at Larissa, "Why are you acting this way toward me, then? I'm a potential murderer."

Larissa couldn't help but laugh, "You? Someone who doesn't care about anything? You, who lives in your own world? Why would you even bother doing something like that?"

"I could be the main character in a play," Harmony shrugged.

"Sure," Larissa said, smiling.

"I watched the play, and while you were great, you looked like a puppet, controlled by the strings of the performance. Your heart wasn't in it."

She turned away as she spoke, missing the way Harmony stiffened at her words.

Harmony lay back down, "That's true. I didn't want to be there. I just want to finish school and be done with it."

Larissa heard the exasperation in Harmony's voice.

"Do you want me to talk about it? I can bring it up in the next meeting—"

"Don't," Harmony abruptly sat up.

"This is a better outcome."

"Being harassed?" Larissa asked, shocked.

"No," Harmony shook her head.

"Not getting attention from the faculty."

Larissa frowned, "Are you attending this school in secret?"

Harmony scoffed, "That would be too troublesome if what you're saying were true."

Larissa sighed, "Seriously, what do you want to do? College is right around the corner."

"In this kind of school? Do you really think none of us have predetermined paths to follow?" Harmony's tone was dismissive.

Larissa watched her lying there. Over time, she had caught glimpses of Harmony's life, just like now. The girl had revealed that her course was already determined.

The way she avoided attention from the faculty meant that she didn't want her family to know what was happening at school. Larissa silently hoped it was because her family was overprotective, rather than punishing her further if they found out.

"Are you… in good terms with your family?" she couldn't help but ask.

Harmony glanced at her before turning and lying on her side.

"Everything I need has been provided for me since birth. Everything I could learn has been supported unconditionally. My family is that type of family. I can achieve anything I want because of that."

Larissa stopped asking questions, noticing how Harmony closed her eyes after answering. Over the past few days, Larissa had found herself drawn to the depth of the girl's words. Harmony didn't seem tired of life, but she didn't seem eager to live it, either.

'Is this the real you, or is this Harmony Thomas as a high school girl?' Larissa wondered, turning back to her work.

…

"Hi," Harmony weakly greeted Larissa as she entered the clinic.

Larissa's eyes widened in alarm.

"This is no longer just harassment!"

She rushed over to support Harmony and helped her onto the bed, quickly pulling out the medical kit.

"What happened?"

"Hmm, another case of tripping," Harmony replied casually.

"Can I get a mirror?" she asked.

Larissa frowned but handed her one.

Harmony inspected her face and neck before nodding, "Good. Nothing's damaged."

"Nothing's damaged? Nothing's damaged?!" Larissa exclaimed, suddenly angry.

Harmony blinked, taken aback.

Larissa wasn't sure if she should stay mad or be more shocked by Harmony's indifference. Her knees were bleeding, her left leg had cuts, and her right arm was also injured.

"Well, those wounds can be hidden," Harmony said after looking at her injuries.

Larissa's mouth opened in disbelief, but no words came out.

Harmony sighed, "I mean, it is painful. Very painful. I was even nervous as I fell down the stairs. But what's more important is that I don't have any visible wounds. I can't afford to look weak… because that would give them the satisfaction of seeing me, the 'potential murderer,' hurt."

Larissa bit the inside of her cheek, sensing a discrepancy between Harmony's words and her thoughts from the pause in between her words.

Instead of continuing her outburst, Larissa focused on treating Harmony's wounds.

"How's my arm?" Harmony asked.

"It's not as bad as your knees and leg. Usually, the shin would be more injured in a fall down the stairs."

"…," Harmony stayed silent.

Larissa looked up at her, her expression stern, "Harmony Thomas, tell me what happened."

"Don't do anything about it," Harmony responded seriously.

"I won't come here anymore if you do. I don't need any extra attention."

Larissa sighed in defeat, "Fine. I just need to know how you got these injuries."

"The cuts on my knees and arm are from gym class. We were running, and someone tripped and pushed me. I was on my way here, walking down the stairs, when I got pushed again."

Larissa turned pale, "This isn't just—"

"Please," Harmony interrupted, her voice steady.

"I don't need attention. I just need to finish high school."

Larissa sighed heavily, recognizing Harmony's determination. She wouldn't press the matter any further.

"Just tell me how bad the injuries are," Harmony added.

"Fine. Your arm only has minor cuts. You can hide them with makeup, even if you wear short sleeves. But your knees and leg have deeper wounds. It'll take a week or two for them to heal."

Harmony nodded, "That's good enough. Thank you."

After a moment, Harmony stood up and left.

"You're even walking as if there's no pain," Larissa muttered, feeling a surge of pity for the girl.

"What did I just witness?"

She turned to the person hiding behind the curtain of one of the beds.

"That's what's been happening while you were gone. And as you've heard, they went too far this time."

Luca furrowed his brows, having just returned from attending his sister's birthday. He hadn't expected this to be the first thing he'd hear.

"You told me to meet you first thing when I came back to school. Is this what you wanted to show me?" he asked.

"Not this much, but yes, it's about her," Larissa replied.

"Then tell me, what's going on?"