I walked outside to the school’s perfectly cut lawn as I had done every day. When I saw the crowd, I presumed it was nothing special, just another after-school fight. A pointless idea to me, but huge to them. Unfortunately, the crowd was blocking my way to get home. With a grunt, I walked to the crowd, whose huddled bodies stood in a circle, mystified with whatever was going on. I shrugged as I neared them, curiosity suddenly getting the best of me.

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” I heard them chant in unison. I paid no attention to their screams as I neared the center of the circle, feeling the curiosity that had been aroused in me stronger this time.

Nick, the school’s all star quarterback and bully, was shoving his fist into someone’s face. I cringed, almost swearing that I heard a sickening crack. The victim lay on the grass, screaming in pain. Nick, on the other hand, didn’t have a scratch on him and smugly smiled. The victim suddenly lurched off the ground and swung his fist at Nick, who was caught off guard. He suddenly recovered from the blow and attacked the victim.

I grimaced at the scene. After-school fights weren’t exactly what you’d call my favorite thing to watch. I tried to turn away, until I caught a glimpse of the mysterious victim.

The victim, who just happened to be my best friend, Danny.

Why was he here? What happened?

At that moment, seeing Nick punch harder and harder, I wished I were a super hero, or someone, anyone strong and brave enough to take Nick on. But I was a wimp, and definitely not brave enough to stand up to Nick.

My heart sank at the bitter reality as I watched my best friend get beat up.

A voice shot through the crowd, yelling, “Teacher! Teacher!”

Suddenly, the crowd dispersed, even Nick, who spat on Danny and left him cowering on the ground, not wanting to risk getting caught by the approaching teacher.

Danny and I were the only ones left, an uncomfortable silence settling between us.

I looked at him, but REALLY looked at him. His face was nearly unrecognizable, due to the blood splattered over it. His hair was disheveled and several strands of grass peaked out of it. Several areas of his clothes were ripped, and whatever piece of bare skin that managed to peak out was covered in bloody cuts and bruises.

I picked up his books that were strewn across the floor and helped him to his feet. He staggered, but grabbed on to me for support, slowly limping over to the sidewalk where we found an empty bench and sat down.

I was furious with myself. Why couldn’t I jump in and save him? Why did I have to be such a coward? In shame, I couldn’t bear to look at him.

“I’m sorry about not defending you,” my voice was a mere whisper. Why was I so weak? Why didn’t I face Nick? But I knew why. I was too afraid. I was afraid of Nick, whose beefy fist could smash my face in my skull with one punch, or just enough to make me look like Danny.

I sighed, feeling the ton of guilt fall onto my shoulders.

“It’s okay. I’ll show ‘em next time.” Danny’s voiced croaked. I knew he was trying to sound brave, and maybe even lighten up the moment, but as he spoke, he cautiously looked around to see if anyone from Nick’s crew was around to hear.

I urged myself to smile, but failed miserably.

Maybe I could tell someone what happened, but who? Adults? No, I decided. My parents, as well as Danny’s, were oblivious to what happened in our lives, and a fight, would go unnoticed under their radar. Well, what about a teacher? No, that would make everything worse, especially if Nick decides to come back for revenge. I wouldn’t tell anyone. I couldn’t.

I finally gathered the strength to look at Danny, and we simultaneously nodded. He also thought about this, and we took a silent oath to keep it quiet.

“Nothing happened,” Danny said, offering me a halfhearted smile. He leaned back and groaned. The pain hadn’t quite left him, and I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Yes, I was a bystander to my friend’s fate, but I was there in those moments when he needed me most.

Like the one right now.