Buji fell to the floor after stumbling over someone's leg. It was probably a trap set with the leg. He hit the ground with a dull thud, his knees scraping against the cold floor. What followed next was an echo of laughter from those who surrounded him, sharp and mocking.
'This is enough!'
The thought burned in his mind, but reality betrayed him. His body was frozen and helpless. His hands placed on the floor as he struggled to push himself up. He gaze was fixed downward, unwilling and unable to meet the taunting eyes of his tormentors.
Buji still knew not what to do and remained still as if trying to figure it out. But then came another blow, landing on his head. The force made his arms to give out, and his face slammed against the floor.
"A weakling. That's what you are," sneered one voice.
"I wonder… not even an attempt to fight back."
"Show us what you've got. Anything!"
"Don't just let him blow you out. You are a boy like him."
"A boy you regard him? He's not even worth calling a boy."
The mockery came from the voices around. Others laughed at him, their laughter was more humiliating. Phones clicked as some jerks took pictures, while one boy leaned in close, recording a video of Buji's humiliation.
'This is shameless,' Buji thought bitterly. How had he fallen into this life of endless ridicule?
The laughter exasperated in his ears, pulling him from his thoughts. With a shaky breath, he began to rise, dragging his bag along with him.
"Perfect timing," the bully from earlier smirked. His boot kicked hard, slamming into Buji's side.
Buji's body flew backward, making loud contact with the wall. Everyone in the hall made a collective gasp, following was silence.
Buji's body crumpled to the ground, motionless.
For a moment, no one moved. No one knew what the outcome of the kick had become. Everyone, even the bully froze, staring at Buji's lifeless form. The hall's atmosphere was filled with the breath of fear mingled with uncertainty.
***
Buji remained still, his world faded, consumed by a memory.
Memory of what had happened in the past…
In the night's darkness, a silver Rover could be seen travelling along the deserted road, the only sound heard being the hum of the car's engine. Streetlights assembled by both sides of the road, casting their sharp glowing light on the road, steadily illuminating the empty pavements.
Mr. Yinyin was having control over the steering wheels of the car, while 5-year-old Buji made use of the passenger's seat, battling with the object in his hands. His eyes was wide with excitement, proving his innocence.
In the lonely silence, all that could be heard were the hum from the car's engine and the rattle chuckles from Buji.
"Hey kiddo! You are good with the snake toy? Had to get you one since that is all you have always wanted," Mr. Yinyin, Buji's father said with a warm voice, looking changing to position of his eyes to land on Buji, who played with the toy.
Buji's father chuckled and said, "I knew you'd like it."
Controlling the car with its steering to turn left, he added, "You know, I had a similar toy when I was a kid. It sparked my curiosity and helped me learn at a later age, a lot about the natural world."
Buji, so tender and delicate, only sat on the seat, showing his tiny teeth and making tiny giggling sound in playfulness with the toy.
"You see, the natural world is full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Some have been unraveled but most of it still lurk in the dark."
As if detecting the next words of his father were going to be useful, at least in the future, Buji stopped playing and listened. For some reasons, his father now made sense a little to him.
"Oh oh, your silence startled me for a moment, Buji," his father jokingly said and immediately putting on a serious face, he added with a subdued tone, "I don't know how, but you need to listen to all I have to say."
"Continue, dad. Your words always teach me new things," Buji's brittle voice rang out.
"Good to hear," his father said, leaving his son to stare at him with much enthusiasm
"I'm glad you are going to be listening now. Good enough, my words were yet to come," Buji's father said and stroked Buji's hair gently.
"There are three major criteria you have to imbibe in you if you want to survive in this environment you will find yourself. Asking, Seeking and Experiencing."
"But how do I understand what you mean?" came Buji's subtle voice.
"You see, in this car, there are only two of us, right?"
"Yes daddy."
"What did you observe?"
'Nothing.' Buji's thought was faster with the answer.
"Well, I supposed you won't answer. And I will leave that for you to figure out," his father glanced at him, and continued.
"Never be afraid to try new things, you know. They widen your intelligence. Being intelligent is not just about the books; it's about experiencing life and adapting to challenges. Movies also help a lot in this aspect. So, be a fan of movies, good ones."
Buji paused, his father's word sinking in despite his age.
Then, came the distraction.
Before Buji could respond, the streetlights ahead flickered, casting shadows on the road. Suddenly, they went dark, plunging the car into darkness.
"W-what's happening?" His father was being rhetorical; Buji neither could tell what was going on. But for the first time, Buji noticed tremble in his father's voice.
Before anyone of them could react to the current situation, the car's tires screeched, and the vehicle careened off the road. The world outside became a blur as the car flipped, rolling onto its side.
Time froze.
Buji heard his father's voice, faint but urgent. "Never give up on your life. You are going to be great!"
Utter silence followed after.
"B-Dad?" Buji stammered, his voice trembling.
"…"
No response.