High school was supposed to be the best time of their lives, but for Tim Bradford, it was just another chapter in a story that he wished he could escape from. On the outside, Tim was the kind of guy who seemed like he had it all together—tall, strong, and quiet, with an air of mystery that made people curious but also hesitant to get too close. What most people didn't know was that Tim's silence wasn't by choice; it was a defense mechanism, a way to protect himself from the hell he faced at home.
Tim's father, Thomas Bradford, was a man of anger and bitterness. A former military man, Thomas had never quite adjusted to civilian life. The discipline and control he had once exerted in the army had twisted into something darker over the years. When Thomas drank, which was often, his temper flared, and Tim was usually the one who bore the brunt of it. The abuse was both physical and emotional, leaving scars that ran deep.
Tim's mother, Karen, was a shadow in the household. Once a vibrant and caring woman, she had become withdrawn and fearful under her husband's tyranny. She didn't protect Tim—she couldn't. She was too broken herself to stand up to Thomas. So Tim learned to fend for himself, to stay out of his father's way, and to hide the bruises and the pain as best he could.
But school wasn't just an escape from his abusive home—it was also the place where Tim found his only solace. His best friend, Angela Lopez, was the one person who knew the truth about what went on behind closed doors. Angela was fierce and protective, always looking out for Tim in her own no-nonsense way. They had been friends since middle school, bonding over a shared love of sports and a mutual understanding of what it meant to fight against the odds.
Angela was the one who encouraged Tim to join the football team, knowing that he needed an outlet for his anger and frustration. On the field, Tim could channel all his pain into something productive. He was good—really good. Football was the one place where he felt strong, where he could be in control, and where he could forget, if only for a little while.
But there was someone else who would come to mean even more to Tim, someone who saw the light in him even when he couldn't see it in himself. Lucy Chen was the polar opposite of Tim in many ways—bubbly, optimistic, and full of life. She came from a loving family, with parents who adored her and supported her every step of the way. Lucy was popular at school, not because she tried to be, but because she was kind to everyone. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued, and it was this quality that drew her to Tim.
They first met in English class, where they were assigned to work on a project together. Tim had been dreading it, not wanting to let anyone get too close. But Lucy had a way of breaking through his defenses, not with force, but with gentle persistence. She didn't shy away from his silence; instead, she filled the space with her bright chatter, drawing him out little by little.
"Hey, Tim," Lucy had said on their first day working together, flashing him a warm smile. "So, I was thinking we could meet up after school to work on this project. Maybe the library?"
Tim had nodded, his usual response when he didn't know what else to say. He wasn't used to someone like Lucy, someone who didn't seem to be intimidated by his silence. They met in the library, and for the first time in a long while, Tim found himself relaxing, even enjoying their conversation.
Over the next few weeks, their meetings became more frequent. The project was just an excuse now—they both knew that. They talked about everything and nothing, about school, about life, and slowly, Tim started to open up. He found himself looking forward to their time together, the way Lucy made him feel like he wasn't alone in the world.
