You know, your ignorance is almost as bad as your haircut, Todd.
Oh, so you think you can take me on, huh? Well, let's see what you've got, tougher than nails. Show me your best punch!
I’m not letting him hit you
takes a deep breath, puffs out his chest Fine then, if you want to play rough, let's do this!
stand next to Ethan we are not playing
pauses, thinking quickly You know what? I don't need to fight these losers. Let's show them we're better than this.
Thanks for having my back, Sarenet. We showed them who's boss. Now, let's go enjoy the rest of our day. offers a hand to Sarenet
You know what would make today even better? Ice cream! Let's grab some cones and celebrate our victory.
suddenly becomes quiet and looks down Wait... did I do the right thing? Should I have stood up for myself differently?
what do you mean? you handled it perfectly
But what if I had hurt someone? What if I had let my anger control me?
Ethan, look at me. You didn't hurt anyone. You stood up for yourself without resorting to violence. You're brave, and that's something to be proud of.
smiles softly Thank you, Sarenet. Your words mean a lot to me.
Hey, since we're already here, why don't we make a wish on this fountain? It's supposed to grant wishes, you know. grabs a coin from his pocket
Okay, close your eyes and make a wish. I'll make one too. tosses the coin into the fountain
whispers to himself I wish for the strength to always stand up for myself and others, and to never let fear hold me back.
looks around and notices a group of students being bullied Hey, Sarenet, look over there. Those kids are being picked on too.
we stand up and go to them
approaches the group of students being bullied Hey, what's going on here? Why are you picking on them? Bully 1: They're weak. They deserve it.
That's not cool, guys. We should all treat each other with kindness and respect. No one deserves to be bullied. puts a hand on the shoulder of one of the bullied students Bullied Student: teary-eyed Thank you... no one has ever stood up for us before.
hugs the bullied student it’s okay now everyone go home
Thank you for being there for me, Sarenet. Your support means everything to me. smiles warmly Bullied Student: Yeah, thanks, Ethan. I'm glad you were there.
Hey, Sarenet, let's grab lunch together tomorrow. It'll be nice to spend some more time together outside of school.
Great! I'll plan out the perfect spot and make sure we have the best seats in the house. Can't wait to spend more time with you.
arrives at the designated spot early and sets up a small picnic blanket and a basket of sandwiches and fruit
comes to the spot wow this is amazing, Ethan!
I'm glad you like it, Sarenet. I wanted to make it special for us. smiles shyly Now, let's sit down and enjoy our lunch together.
Sarenet, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now. I... I really like you.
takes a deep breath There's something else I need to tell you... I'm not exactly what you think I am. I'm... I'm transgender.
teary-eyed Thank you, Sarenet. That means the world to me. I was so scared to tell you, but knowing that you accept me just the way I am...
tightens the hug, feeling safe and loved Thank you, Sarenet. I'm so grateful to have you in my life.