Is the combination of lemon, salt, and vinegar become more potent or something?
Sounds like the bully exagerated the injury, played victim and was coddled, thus being empowered and taking the bullying even further. I knew a kid like this in school.
When I was about 4, during family holiday gatherings I would sneak around and take sips of everyones drinks. Apparently I kept doing it after being told not to. Well, my grandfather fixed that by leaving out a glass of straight vodka. I stopped.