The Closing Space

Lunch break is in progress.

For the past few days, I’ve skipped lunch in the cafeteria. But this morning, I didn’t have breakfast, so I’m here to regain some energy before continuing my punishment.

I stand in the middle of the cafeteria, holding my food tray, still searching for an empty seat. However, no matter where I look, every table is full. Even if there’s an empty chair, the people around it deliberately sit farther apart, creating a gap too small for me to squeeze into.

I bite my lip, trying to hold back my frustration.

Just as I decide to sit in the corner, someone suddenly bumps into me from the side. My tray wobbles, nearly spilling my food. I turn around, but the person only glances at me with a sly smirk before walking away as if nothing happened.

I sigh and try to move forward again, but then someone from behind shoves my shoulder harder, making me stumble slightly. This time, I hear quiet snickers from a few nearby tables.