[Content warning: Violence]

Bram had not been in school for a while. His father had been sick and he had helped his brother on the boat! He was a fisherman now! He couldn't be bothered with such childish things as spelling. After father had gotten better, and Bram's help had no longer been needed, he had 'taken a few days off'. Not that father knew. But if they had not come looking for him while he was on the boats, why would they come looking for him while he was wandering the streets of Whitby? But a classmate had warned him there was a new teacher, and Bram knew he should test the waters before he decided to ditch school again. And so after a few days, he went back. 

He entered early and sat in the back, hoping that he would not be noticed there. But as other children entered, an older boy pushed him out of the row. "You go to the front with the little kids, Ward!"
"Yeah," said another boy. "With those who still can't get their letters right!" Another boy said, and the boys laughed. Bram felt himself turning red, frustrated and embarrassed
Then a boy one year younger than Bram, probably seeing this as an opportunity to profit from the older boys' glory, piped in: "Yeah! You're a Dunce!"
Bram turned to him. His eyes narrowed. He could take his size. The next moment, Bram was on him, punching him. A group of children gathered around, shouting and jeering. The younger boy tried to push Bram off unsuccessfully, while Bram dealt blow after blow.