Opposing Forces

Nothing has ever broken sixteen year old Cara.

Even when her wealthy, fractured family fell apart, she pushed through. However, her resilience is tested when family obligations force her to move in with Zack, the brother who abandoned them four years ago and seems to hate her for reasons she does not understand.

At her new school, she becomes a target of cruel bullying by a group of boys who takes her resilience as a challenge.

However, Cara refuses to back down or be compliant. She pushes back at home. She pushes back at school. But the harder she fights, the more pressure builds, and the more dangerous it becomes for the girl who won't give up.

"And I bet you believe that too, don't you? That nothing will break you- that you can push through this?" Blake didn't stop. His smile grew wider as he cruelly raised my face to meet his. "Well this is a promise to you, Cara. I can and will break you. I won't stop until I fully ruin you and you lose every part of yourself."

I didn't let myself believe him. I would find a way out. This wouldn't last forever. "Go fuck yourself."

[ IMPORTANT ]

This book contains graphic depictions of bullying inspired by real-life cases and media portrayals, particularly within Korea. These themes may be disturbing to some readers.

Please check all trigger warnings before reading.

[ TRIGGER WARNING ]

bullying, sexual harassment, suicide, mental health, depression, anxiety, self-harm, sextortion

"What frightens them even more is retaliation from their bully. The revenge that they'll seek on them and how they'll make their lives worse than it is already. This is why victims of bully fight their own battles, let the storm pass on their own."

#1 trauma
#1 bullied
#1 victim