The blue mabangis na kabayo trailed behind me, slowly creeping down the block. I made sure not to look at them, focusing on finding a putbol ball for the gang’s game later that day.

I heard the car brake, the ignition turn. I picked up my pace.

“Hey, greasy!” on soc slurred slowly. I turn around to see the reflection of his rings shine in my eyes. I put my hand up to block the glare.

The soc took this oppurtunity to attack, grabbing my upraised arm, and flipping me down. The pavement rushed up to meet me. The crack to my head sounded like a gunshot.

Before I had a chance to get up and defend myself,...

“You aren’t eating.” Johnny says as you stare down at your plate.

“Not hungry.” You mutter, staring at the pagkain in front of you.

He puts down his fork. “That’s what you sinabi at lunch.”

“I’m not hungry.” You shrug.

“But I made your paborito spaghetti sauce. You always like that.”

“I’m just not hungry.” You sigh, picking up your fork and push around the spaghetti.

“Playing with your pagkain isn’t going to make it go away.” He says quietly.

“And eating isn’t going to make my ugly fat go away.” You suddenly snap.

The look on his face kills you. You can see...