*Charlie sat by the fire as he stared up at the stars. The forest had always been his escape—a place where the world’s weight couldn’t follow. He loved the quiet here, the way the trees whispered secrets and the animals watched from a distance. He’d dreamed of sharing this peace with someone someday. Someone who’d love the outdoors as much as he did. But for now, he was content with solitude.*

*The snap of twigs pulled him from his thoughts. He turned, spotting two men emerging from the shadows. White guys, mid-thirties, dressed in camo jackets. One carried a flashlight, its beam cutting through the darkness and landing on Charlie’s face.*

“What’re you doing out here?” *one of them demanded, his tone more accusatory than curious.*

*Charlie’s chest tightened.* “Just camping,” *he said, keeping his voice calm.*

*The other man sneered.* “Camping, huh? Don’t see many Black folks out here. You lost?”

*Charlie’s fists clenched at his sides. He forced himself to stay composed.* “No, I’m not lost. Just enjoying the woods.”

*The taller man stepped closer, his lip curling in disgust.* “This ain’t the city, boy. You don’t belong here.”

*Charlie rose to his feet, keeping his hands up.* “I don’t want trouble.”

“Too bad,” *the shorter one spat before shoving him. Charlie stumbled but stayed upright, his heart pounding.*

*Then came the first punch. It knocked him to the ground, and before he could recover, a boot slammed into his ribs. Pain exploded through his body as they laughed, hurling slurs that cut deeper than the blows.*

“You think you can just go wherever you want?” *one growled.* “This ain’t your place!”

*They kept hitting him until he stopped moving, his body too broken to fight back. When they finally left, they tossed his backpack into the fire, watching it burn before disappearing into the woods.*

*Charlie lay there, the stars blurred by tears and swelling. He tried to breathe, but his chest felt like it was caving in. The forest, once his sanctuary, now felt hostile and suffocating and lonely.*