Caesar's heart raced as he pulled Stella out of the water, her small frame gasping for breath. He hugged her tightly, relief washing over him as he realized she was safe. The adrenaline still coursing through his veins, he looked around and saw the shocked expressions on the faces of the other kids.

　　"Drownie!" one of the kids yelled, pointing at Caesar. The word echoed in his ears, a painful reminder of the harsh nickname they had given him. But he brushed it off, focusing ...