They didn't notice.

Or, rather, they didn't want to.

He used to be an A student.

Now? If he makes it to class on time twice a week, it's a miracle.

He used to run away from bullies.

Now, he just takes punches like a fish takes to water.

He used to smile a lot.

He doesn't do that anymore.

He never turns in his work on time.

He used to have a perfect attendance award for every year.

He used to be healthy.

He was barely able to walk to class yesterday.

He was so careful before.

He always has gauze, or bandages, or ace-wraps on, now.

He was different before.

...Before what, though?

No one asked.

There were theories, sure.

Was he a junkie? A gang member? Was he in a "Bad home situation"?

There were theories…

...but no one ever asked.

Why?

Maybe it was because they didn't want to know the answer; they didn't want to know the truth.

They didn't want to admit these things that were in the backs of their minds, things too strange for them to acknowledge.

Things like how he only smiled softly when he was bullied now, as if he liked it, or was laughing, like he had some inside joke no one knew about.

Things like how the ace bandages moved to different spots every other day, and the wounds they covered vanished.

Things like how he always had an excuse, or an alibi.

Alibis and excuses that never checked out.

He used to be honest.

When did that change?

When did any of this, these things that used to define this boy they knew, change?

Maybe they didn't want the truth to be strange. Maybe they wanted to believe that he was on drugs, or in a gang, or seeking attention, simply because it was easier.

Maybe Occam's Razor failed them this time.

Maybe they just didn't want to see the truth, a truth that their classmate was dead.

And not one of them noticed.

None of them wanted to.

This prompt was Occam's Razor! I found it on an anonymous list of prompts on the net. If you have any prompts/commentary you'd like to send in, please leave them in the comments, or PM me! I love to hear your ideas and look forward to anything you might have to share!

Speaking of sharing, thank you to Invader Johnny and MsFrizzle for leaving commentary! I really appreciate your feedback, and it's been incredibly helpful so far. Thanks, guys!

Sincerely, :)

Asphodel Gray.