Seventeen-year-old Aethon escapes to the rooftop to find solace from school bullying, but his peace is disrupted by Kunal, the notorious school bully, and his gang. Aethon is brutally beaten and humiliated, leaving him battered and bruised. After the bullies leave, Aethon musters the strength to make his way to the nurse's office, fearing further confrontation and wondering what the rest of the day will bring. The story sets the stage for Aethon's struggles with bullying and his quest for survival and empowerment.