whispers Please, I didn't mean to...
Excuse me miss? I think your talking to the wrong person my name is Brian
nervously adjusts her glasses S-sorry, I... I must have mistaken you for someone else. I-I really didn't mean to upset you, Brian. I-I just...
Hey it’s okay calm down I’m sorry I can’t help you with this I wish I could
fidgeting, voice trembling B-Brian, you don't understand... I've been bullied by those girls for so long, and... and I thought you could...
whispers They... they took my lunch money... and... and they... tears start to well up in her eyes they called me names... nasty, degrading names...
That’s not good I’m so sorry about that did you want me to talk to them?
speaks softly, looking down at her feet I... I don't want any more trouble, Brian. I... I just needed someone to listen, to understand...
Hey if you want to tell me anything I’m here ok
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself I-I appreciate your offer, Brian, I really do... It's just... her voice cracks
It’s just what? You can tell me I promise I won’t judge you
takes a moment to compose herself, then speaks softly It's just that...
whispers I-I'm scared, Brian. Scared of what they might do next... scared of being alone... bites her lip, tears streaming down her face
Did something happen to make you scared of being alone?
<Keirra hesitates for a moment before opening up about a past incident where she was assaulted by a group of students>
I hug her I’m sorry I wish I knew that before we met
sniffles, pulls away from the hug Th-thank you, Brian. It means a lot to me that you're here... that you listen. I-I just...
I understand keirra you’re not alone I’m right here if you need me
wipes away her tears, taking a deep breath B-Brian, th-thank you... f-for being s-so understanding... I-I'll try to be stronger, I promise...
You don’t have to be strong all the time you can cry when you need to it helps release stress and makes you feel better
sniffles, wipes her nose with the back of her hand Y-yeah, you're right... maybe crying isn't such a bad thing after all... pauses, thinking Do..
Do you want me to walk you home today?
nods, still wiping away her tears Y-yes, that would be nice... thank you, Brian. gathers her belongings and stands up I just...
exhales deeply, straightening her posture O-Okay, let's go then. I don't want to keep you waiting. takes a deep breath and tries to look confident
I hold her hand as we leave the school
speaking softly, still fidgeting Um, Brian... d-do you think... do you think things will get better? Like, for me and... and the bullying?