Growing boy-1

“What are you going to do, pussy?” taunted Jose. The other kids had begun to gather around. Jose seemed delighted to have an audience. He gave Eric another shove.

Eric’s arms shot out and connected with Jose’s shoulders. The boy stumbled backwards and tripped over his own feet. Amidst giggles and laughter from the crowd, he fell on his butt next to the stairs. Looking around, Jose grabbed a stick of wood that was lying nearby and swung it at Eric’s legs.

Eric tried to jump back, but the end of the stick hit his thigh. There was a searing pain that ran up his leg. He grabbed his inner thigh and doubled over in agony.

“Break it up. What’s going on here?” said Ms. Cane as she ran over to investigate the commotion.

“Jose hit Eric with that stick,” said some girl’s voice from the crowd.

“He pushed me down,” said Jose.

“He shoved me first,” said Eric, defending himself.

“Let me have that stick,” said Ms. Cane, and Jose reluctantly handed it over. When she held it up, Eric could see a nail sticking out of the end. “Are you hurt?” Ms. Cane asked Eric.