Twenty

Raven

I was rushing to my next class, my backpack slung over my shoulder. The school bell rang, signaling the end of the break. I hurriedly descended the stairs, the multiple steps leading up and down filled with students rushing to their next class.

"Oops, I'm sorry," I said politely as my backpack accidentally brushed against a girl. Tardiness was frowned upon by our chemistry teacher, Mr. Lawson, and I couldn't afford to be late to his class.

Lost in the sea of students, I didn't realize when I reached the bottom of the stairs. Unaware of my surroundings, I failed to notice the foot extended in my path, causing me to stumble and fall to the floor.

Before I could react, several hands gripped me from behind, tugging at my backpack. Confused and startled, I turned around, trying to face them.

"Hey, what's going on?" I shouted, my words falling on deaf ears. Before I knew it, an intense burning sensation engulfed my eyes. The searing heat intensified rapidly, unmistakably the resu