The bully snatched Adir's lunchbox off the bus step. Adir's fists tightened around his backpack straps. The bus doors hissed shut behind him.
Adir ran after the bully down the concrete pier path. The city hummed around him. His hero toy bounced in his pocket.
He pulled the hero toy from his pocket and held it up. 'You'll get yours,' he whispered.
The bully turned and dropped the lunchbox with a clatter. 'What will you do?' he challenged.
Adir stepped forward, then froze. The hero's painted eyes seemed to blink in the sunlight.
Instead of pushing, Adir handed the bully half his sandwich. The hero toy clicked like a happy sigh.
The bully took the sandwich and broke off a piece. 'Thanks,' he mumbled, scuffing his sneaker.
Adir smiled. The hero toy felt warm in his hand. The skyline glittered behind them.
The bully walked away slowly, sandwich in hand. He did not look back.
Adir stood alone on the pier. The hero toy pressed against his thigh.
He thought about what the hero would do. Then he grinned.
Adir walked home along the pier. The water lapped gently against the pilings. It was a good day.