After what happened, Tia called in sick and spend her days all alone in her house.
She's afraid to go out cause she thought everyone will look at her the same way Brandon did.
Her homeroom teacher Ms. Sarah Tang went and visit Tia on the second day of her absence.
She's concerned with her top student's welfare.
To her, Tia is like her own pride and glory. Tia had won multiple awards for academic contests and has been a consistent top student despite her struggles.
She treated Tia not just like a student but also like a little sister.
"Tia, I came here to check on you. How are you? Has your fever gone down?" she asked.
Tia slowly nod. Sarah placed her hand on Tia's forehead just to be sure.
"Here, I brought you some fruits and vitamins. How's your mom by the way?"
Tia's eyes went wide from shock as soon as she remembered her mom.
Thanks to Grandma Lin and her Brother Andy who takes turn in taking care of her mother she had time to stay at home and just space out.
She had a hard time sleeping cause whenever she closed her eyes, Brandon's lustful gaze will instantly appear in her mind.
Tia shook violently then let out a loud cry. In the past two days she had been all alone she can't figure out what to do.
Sarah took it as Tia being stressed out. She understands Tia was practically doing everything she can to balance studying and dealing with her personal problems.
Not knowing that Tia had experienced a traumatic encounter with one of her classmates.
Sarah Tang gently consoled her.
She had always admired Tia's strong disposition.
Tia's life was harder than the average teenagers and all she can do is support her.
"Tian-Tian, don't worry. Everything will be alright. Just have a little faith."
Tia just wailed in her arms. She was letting all her pent up emotions out.
Her fears, sadness, anxiousness and guilt.
Guilty for moping around while her mom was fighting for her life.
She reckon she needed to be strong and continued on living.
After her cryfest Sarah cooked a warm porridge for Tia then left when she fell asleep.
The next day, Tia went to school wearing a pair of black sunglasses.
It's her way of protecting of herself from the indecent stares of people around her.