Shadow of Terror

Is it really that hard to stop using violence?

For Collin, it wasn’t just hard—it felt almost impossible. Violence had been her language, her release, her *identity* for as long as she could remember. At just five years old, her father had taught her how to throw a punch, how to stand her ground, how to fight back. What started as self-defense quickly became something more. She didn’t just use her fists—she *enjoyed* it. The adrenaline, the power, the way people backed off when they saw her coming. It was intoxicating.

But now, standing at the gates of Vale High School, Collin had made a promise—to herself, to her mom, to the life she was trying to rebuild. No more fights. No more violence. Just a normal high school experience.

The problem? Old habits die hard.

Collin clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she forced herself to take a deep breath. The urge to swing at the girl who’d bumped into her earlier was still simmering under her skin. *“It’s just a coat,”* she told herself, even though it wasn’t. It was a gift from her dad, a piece of him she carried with her every day.

But violence wasn’t the answer anymore. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself.

High school was supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to leave behind the girl who ruled the playground with her fists, the girl who sent bullies running with just a glare. But as she walked through the halls of Vale High, Collin could feel the weight of her past pressing down on her. The whispers, the stares, the familiar faces from middle school—they all reminded her of who she used to be.

And then there was *him*. The boy she’d tormented back in middle school, the one who now looked at her with a mix of fear and resentment. His presence was a stark reminder of the promises she’d made—and how easily they could be broken.

Collin had always been a fighter. But now, the biggest battle wasn’t against someone else—it was against herself. Could she really leave her old life behind? Could she keep her promise and live a normal life, or would the temptation to throw just *one more punch* be too much to resist?

The bell rang, signaling the start of her first class. Collin squared her shoulders, took another deep breath, and stepped into the classroom.

This was her chance to prove she could change.

But deep down, she knew it wouldn’t be easy.