The broken path

The classroom buzzed with murmurs as the teacher walked in, a tall boy trailing behind her. "Class, this is Ryan. He's a transfer student. Please make him feel welcome," she announced.

Ryan smiled confidently, his piercing eyes scanning the room. He introduced himself with a calm, steady voice that instantly commanded attention. Mary sat silently in the middle row, watching as the girls whispered excitedly and the boys exchanged appraising looks.

Ryan was assigned a seat two rows ahead of Mary. As he walked past, his demeanor exuded an easy charisma that seemed to charm everyone in his path. Even Mona, who rarely paid attention to anyone other than herself, appeared intrigued.

During Lunch

By lunchtime, Ryan had already gathered a small group of admirers. He laughed easily and told stories that left everyone hanging on his every word. Mary sat at her usual spot, fiddling with her lunchbox, unnoticed by most.

To her surprise, Ryan approached her table. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his voice warm but casual.

Mary blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, sure," she mumbled.

He slid into the seat across from her, his presence commanding yet strangely comforting. "You seem quiet. I like that," he said, offering her a kind smile.

Mary felt a warmth she hadn't experienced in a long time. She hadn't expected someone like him—confident, outgoing—to even notice her, let alone choose to talk to her. For the first time in weeks, the heaviness in her chest lifted slightly.

Later That Day

As the final bell rang, Mary walked home replaying their conversation in her mind. Ryan had asked simple questions—what subjects she liked, if she enjoyed school—but his genuine interest made her feel seen.

For the first time, she thought, Maybe he's someone I can talk to. Someone who won't judge me. The idea felt like a lifeline, and she clung to it desperately.

At home, she stared at the pin she often used, the temptation strong as ever. But tonight, she hesitated. Instead of acting on impulse, she whispered, "Maybe I don't need this anymore. Not if I have someone like Ryan."

Unbeknownst to her, Ryan had watched her the entire day, noticing her quiet demeanor and vulnerability. To him, Mary wasn't just another student—she was an opportunity.

As Mary drifted off to sleep, she felt a flicker of hope she hadn't known in months. But Sophie's words from earlier that day echoed faintly in her mind: "Be careful around him, Mary. Not everyone is what they seem."

Mary ignored the warning, clutching the fragile hope Ryan had unknowingly offered.