In high school, despite having both parents, I felt as though I was an orphan. Everyone knew Ellie had no one to turn for help. Consequently, I became an easy target for bullying.

Initially, the bullying was subtle—being isolated and having my books torn. When I pushed one of the tormentors in frustration, she reported me to the teacher. The teacher called for a parent meeting, but of course, mine didn’t show up. As I stood there, listening to the harsh words from the other parents, it was Ethan who stepped in to defend me.

Later, when I was cornered in an alley and beaten up by those bullies, and...