The boy lay unconscious, the pavement reddened beneath his limp body. Her hands trembled, like leaves in the wind. Though twas not wind that rushed through them. It was magic. Magic she’d been waiting to feel her whole life. Power she’d never imagined. It rumbled through her body like thunder after a lightning strike.

The others rushed to kneel next to the boy. Their eyes found her fingers, still glowing as if she’d squashed fireflies with the tips. But the truth was far more sinister. She’d squashed not fireflies, but the life of a boy.

She hadn’t meant to harm him. She knew the power would be intense, but she hadn’t expected it to manifest like this. Nonetheless, she had rather enjoyed the experience. The sensation of magic flowing through her for the first time. The life trickling from the boy’s eyes.

That was until a girl pointed at her and screamed, “Witch!”

The cowards scrambled away in fear. Those of heart attempted to drag the body with them. The brave stood and faced her. She proved then, with the rise of her hands once more, that there exists a fine line between bravery and stupidity.