Mark lived in the background. He wasn’t one of the popular kids at school, nor did he ever try to be. Instead, he carved out a niche for himself, doing deliveries, running errands, and taking on odd jobs for students and teachers alike. Whether it was helping someone with a last-minute project or running across campus to deliver a forgotten lunch, Mark was the go-to guy for anyone needing something done. It wasn’t glamorous, but it earned him a little extra cash and kept him busy.
For Mark, it was a simple existence. He had his routine, his work, and—most importantly—he had Tina, his girlfriend. Tina was his bright spot, the person who made him feel seen. They had been together for nearly a year, and despite his unremarkable status at school, she had stuck by him. Or so he thought.
One rainy afternoon, Mark was running a delivery to the school gymnasium. His hoodie was soaked, his backpack heavy with books, and his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming weekend. He had been planning a special date with Tina—a picnic at the park, her favorite. But as he passed by the locker rooms, something caught his attention.
Voices. Familiar ones.
Mark stopped, his heart beginning to race as he recognized Tina’s voice. She was laughing—a sound that usually brought him comfort, but today, something about it made his stomach twist. And then, he heard another voice. Jason. The school’s star athlete. He’d always been a bit too friendly with Tina, but Mark had convinced himself it was harmless.
Curiosity got the better of him, and Mark crept closer to the slightly ajar door. What he saw sent a jolt through his entire body.
Tina, in Jason’s arms, kissing him.
For a moment, time seemed to stop. Mark’s world collapsed in an instant. His chest tightened, and he could barely breathe as he stood frozen, unable to process what he was seeing. Tina had been his everything. How could she betray him like this?
Tears blurred his vision as he stumbled backward, knocking over a broom that had been leaning against the wall. The noise startled Jason and Tina, and they looked up, their faces filled with surprise—and guilt.
“Mark!” Tina exclaimed, pulling away from Jason, but it was too late. The damage was done.
Mark didn’t wait for an explanation. His legs moved on their own as he fled the scene, his heart pounding painfully in his chest. He felt sick—nauseous, dizzy, like the world was spinning out of control. His vision darkened at the edges, and before he knew it, his knees buckled beneath him.
The last thing Mark saw before he hit the ground was the stormy sky above, and then—nothing.