Martha Alexander | 20.06.2011

The hallway is deserted. She had stayed in for extra work. Now, she is just heading back home.

"Stop!" She hears a fearful whimper from the Boys' Washroom. She peeps in. 

"Here, comes a swirly,"

She hears more whimpers, followed by the sound of the flush, which she then, followed by a sinister laugh.

She immediately recognizes Daniel's laugh and Mark's whimpers.

She takes a deep breath in and tugs fiercely at Daniel's arm. She pulls him out of the stall.

Daniel stares at Martha in bewilderment, as she catches him off-guard with a punch in his jaw.

"Gah...What?" He stares at her while rubbing his jaw. Mark steps out of the stall, his wet hair plastered across his forehead.

Martha gives Mark her stole. He sheepishly takes it from her, then, rubs his wet hair.

♢

"Why do you let them do this?" Martha questions Mark, completely annoyed by him. "Why don't you defend yourself?" She breathes out an exasperated breath.

"I'm sorry,"

"Sorry? No..." A look at his helpless state softens her. "I'm worried about you Mark," She entangles her fingers with his.

"I-"

"You could have drowned. They dunked you in a pot full of water. How could you not defend yourself?" She shakes her head.

He gasps, as she wraps her hands around his body, engulfing him in a hug.