The sole of a shoe crushed against her sternum, producing a teeth-grinding creak.
Claire Joyce's vision instantly went dark, her ears filled with a constant buzzing, and her throat tasted sweet.
A warm, metallic taste of blood swiftly filled her mouth.
She tried to breathe, only to find her lungs felt as if they were weighed down by a giant stone, unable to draw in a single breath of air.
"Don't... don't step on me..."
With all her strength, she squeezed out a few words, her voice so faint it was almost inaudible.
A small Antelope Beastman, supported by other children, trembled slightly, clutching tightly to the massive, sturdy hind leg of the Bear Beast.
Tears streamed down his face like a broken string of pearls, his voice tinged with sobs yet stubbornly shouting out.
"You can't bully Sister Claire! You're not allowed to touch her!"
Blood slowly trickled down from the corner of Claire Joyce's mouth.
Her cheeks were pale, and her forehead was covered in cold sweat.
