In many ways, the experience was a catalyst for growth. It taught me to be more empathetic, more understanding, and more assertive.

My mother, Yuna, was torn. On one hand, she wanted to believe that I was still the same good kid she had always known. On the other hand, the seeds of doubt had been planted, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

As I move forward, I'm committed to using my experience to help others. I want to raise awareness about the complexities of bullying and the importance of supporting those who are affected.

As the days went by, my mother's experiences with my bully only grew more disturbing. The bully would approach her at the community center, whispering lies and half-truths into her ear. They would tell her that I was getting into trouble at school, that I was associating with the wrong crowd, and that I was no longer the good kid she thought I was.