That afternoon, school ended. Most students had already swarmed toward their luxury convoys. In the locker room, Gabriel Perlich stood in the center of the tiled floor, his massive frame casting a shadow that seemed to climb up the wall and across the ceiling.
Nathan stood three feet away, clutching his backpack straps so hard his knuckles were white.
"I told you, Gabriel, it's fine," Nathan whispered, his voice echoing. "Franc is the one who did it. You were just misled."
Gabriel looked determined. "No. I've made a mistake."
For several minutes, they argued about this ridiculous thing, until Nathan felt annoyed.
"Well, okay. What do you want? I need to go home now."
Gabriel stepped forward, making Nathan step back reflexively.
"Hit me."
Nathan's eyes widened. "What?"
"Hit me. I don't want to feel guilty."
Nathan stepped back, giving them enough distance. "Are you crazy?"
