A flicker of hesitation crossed Samantha's face—gone in an instant, replaced by something almost gleeful.
She brought her heel down on my phone. Once. Twice. She didn't stop until the screen went black and stayed that way.
"Don't be so jealous," she said soothingly, like she was calming a child. "Just wait here like a good boy."
"I'm the class president. I'm just helping a classmate celebrate his birthday. If it were your birthday, I'd do the same thing."
"Stay put. I'll come back for you, and we'll walk home together."
The door slammed shut.
The heavy iron door slammed shut, plunging everything into darkness.
I lay sprawled on the ground, my voice raw and shredded as I screamed for help.
I lost track of time. Then—footsteps outside.
I practically threw myself at the door. "Help me—"
The door swung open.
It was Dad.
His face was tight with panic. He rushed in and pulled me into his arms.
"Son? What happened? I kept calling but couldn't get through. When I called Samantha, she said you were at some party."
"You'd never go out partying right before the college entrance exam—I knew something was wrong! I came looking for you immediately. I never imagined you'd be locked inside the school!"