Who: Suzume Kimura and Isobel Evans (match up) What: Kids are mean to Zu When: Afternoon Where: Park Rating: lowish (some bullying)
The week so far had been an adjustment like no other. Zu still walked close to buildings when she was outside which was a natural instinct to try to hide. She still couldn't look adults in the eyes - you learned early never to do that in the camps - and she often ate so much her stomach hurt afterward. Liam and Ruby were good about being patient and while they mentioned school, neither of them were forcing her to go. A part of her wanted to go - she wanted to learn and she wanted to make Chubs proud too - but she had worried.
Currently she was at the park again. She liked it here and almost wanted to spend every minute here in the playground. When she did things like slide down the slide or use the swings, she could almost forget about home for that short moment or two.
Today, however, was a weekend which meant that there were other kids around. These kids hadn't been at the playground all week due to school so Zu hadn't met them yet.
"Why are you wearing those?" One kid asked unkindly.
"Why aren't you talking?!"
"Oh my God, she can't talk! What's wrong with her?"
"I bet her hands look weird!"
"I bed she doesn't even have fingers. Like maybe they all fell off or something."
"Freak!"
"Weirdo!"
"Gross!"
"Go away before we catch whatever you have!"
Zu stood there, tight lipped, her yellow-gloved hands in fists by her side as she took the insults. She refused to let the kids see her cry or to run away and show any weakness at all, but everything they said hurt more than she'd ever admit.