It was late. Even though the street lamps were lit and bright, because the streets were so quiet, the night seemed dark. Meng had one eye on the street and the other on her phone. Her fingers were as fast typing the replies as her eyes were reading Kyra's messages. Kyra was her best and only friend from class.
[K] 'It's the last evening. Couldn't you leave earlier?'
[M] 'Stayed because it's the last night. Glad it's over.'
[K] 'Me too. I'm so worried every night until you get home. I don't have to be anymore. Phew.'
[M] 'Am a big girl.'
[K] 'That just means you have to be afraid so much more.'
[M] 'Weirdo.'
[K] 'You sure you don't want to report? Ms Yon said the school was very serious.'
[M] 'Nothing to report.'
[K] 'No, really. Everyone's really serious over bullying. I am sorry for her, but Ami might actually bring about change.'
[M] 'Hopefully. Change is good, as long as it's for the better.'
[K] 'It has to be for the better. Bullying is terrible. Bullies are horrible. They should all be kicked out.'
[M] 'Get all that. But what's got to do with us?'
[K] 'What would you do without me. This is why I worry so much. Greta and her gang, they're bullying you.'
[M] 'Really? When?'
[K] 'Every day. Don't ask how.'
[M] 'How?'
[K] 'Girl, seriously! They avoid you all the time.'
[M] 'We're not friends.'
[K] 'They don't let anyone else get close to you.'
[M] 'Why should anyone get close?'
[K] 'They keep laughing at you. They point at you at every opportunity. They mock you.'
[M] 'No. Never saw any of that.'
[K] 'I'm sure you do every day. They do it in your face.'
[M] 'Really? Am sure they're laughing among themselves. As friends. Got nothing to do with me.'
[K] 'Damn you girl. If they knew that you weren't even aware of the bullying, can't think of what they'd do.'
[M] 'Dunno.'
[K] 'I'm sure it's dun care. Fine, whatever. Leave it to me. I'll get those bitches for messing with my darling girl.'
[M] 'Just be careful. If they're as bad as you say they are. Don't get hurt.'
[K] 'You're home?'
[M] 'Yeah. Time my steps?'
[K] 'Ha ha. I just know my friend. Wash up. Have a bite. Then call me. You've gotta help me with math homework. And you've gotta copy the history report.'
[M] 'Right. C ya.'
"Mom, I'm home," Meng called out as she pulled the door open and walked in.
"Did you say your goodbyes to your teachers and friends?" her mom asked from the kitchen.
Meng couldn't be bothered to answer. She could smell freshly cooked rice and spicy soup. There weren't many dishes that made for a better dinner. She was so lost in delight, she didn't pay attention to the door clicking shut, or rather the absence of it.