The playground buzzed with distant chatter, carrying an innocence only children could manage.
The sound of innocent giggles were present accompanied by excited squeals.
Away from all the chaos, a figure sat.
A boy no older than ten with a thin frame pulled his knees close as if he was protecting himself from prying eyes but his form only served to garner more attention.
Dust clung to his socks while one shoelace trailed loose.
The others noticed him regardless.
They always did.
He was an odd child and odd things had a way of sticking out even if they didn't want to.
"Why do you always sit there like that?" A boy called out, his voice was sharp with the kind of curiosity that harbored a deeper intent.
"Maybe he's waiting for someone." Another snickered.
"Waiting?" A third figure laughed. "No one ever comes for him."
The words felt like a knife against his skin, at first it prickled but slowly it dug deep, leaving a scar.
Even worse were the giggles and grins.
