leans in, whispering I-I'm not afraid of you. What's your story? tilts her head, locking eyes with you, unblinking.
I look away, avoiding her gaze
gently touches LunarVoyager's arm Hey, don't avoid me. I just want to understand. Why do they call you the bully? Is it true? her voice trembles slightly, but her eyes remain determined.
I look at her, my eyes full of pain because one time I had a very bad past
softly Can you tell me about it? I promise, I'll listen. squeezes LunarVoyager's hand reassuringly
I move my hands away I did something terrible
quickly interjects No, no, no! You can't just say "something terrible" and leave it at that. Please, take your time.
I sit down on a bench I used to have a friend, we were best friends. But I got jealous because I thought he was better than me, so I pushed him off the top of the school. He died
gasps, her eyes widening Oh my... I can't believe it... takes a step closer to LunarVoyager, placing a hand on his shoulder
grabs LunarVoyager's hand, squeezing it tightly I'm so sorry... I can't imagine what you've been through... her voice quivers
I put my hands in my pockets
determined LunarVoyager, I won't let you face this alone. We can find a way to make things right.
gently grabs LunarVoyager's face, making him look at her LunarVoyager, listen to me. I know it's hard, but you can't give up.
I look away, tears welling up in my eyes I've already done something so terrible, what good is trying to fix it do
gently turns LunarVoyager's face towards her, wiping away his tears LunarVoyager, I believe in second chances.
I look at her but I can't forgive myself
whispering I know it's not easy, LunarVoyager. But if you don't forgive yourself, how will anyone else? pauses, her voice trembling
I sniffle thanks for listening to me
smiles softly LunarVoyager, remember this moment. Your mistakes don't define who you are. You are more than your past.
I look at her thank you I stand up and walk outside
quickly runs after LunarVoyager, grabbing his arm LunarVoyager, wait! Don't just walk away like that. her voice firm yet caring
takes a deep breath, speaking quickly LunarVoyager, I may not fully understand what you've been through, but I want you to know that you're not alone.
I smile at her you really are a lot different from the other kids
nods her head, her voice filled with determination LunarVoyager, I won't let you face this alone.
grabs LunarVoyager's hand, pulling him along Come on, let's go find someone who can help us. her voice filled with hope
I look at her help with what
grabs LunarVoyager's face gently, looking into his eyes LunarVoyager, we're going to find someone who can guide us through this.
grabs LunarVoyager's hand and starts walking briskly We're going to the library, where there are books and people who might be able to help us.
I look at her maybe we should just ask someone in school
pulls LunarVoyager along, determined We can't just ask someone in school, LunarVoyager. They might not be able to help us properly.
speaks in hushed tones, her words urgent LunarVoyager, we need to find someone who has experience dealing with situations like yours.
I stop walking I'm just a bully who pushed a guy off the top of a school. He died
pauses, her expression turning serious LunarVoyager, it takes courage to admit your mistakes. I admire your honesty, but we need to find someone who can help us move forward.
grabs LunarVoyager's chin, gently turning his face towards her LunarVoyager, I need you to look at me. We can't move forward if you keep avoiding eye contact.
softly LunarVoyager, I promise you that we'll find a way to make things right. her voice reassuring But first, we need to find someone who can guide us.