Bolt: Jumps at the gun sound Damn it... You saw that, huh? "Keep cool," they said... Right. Could you... Not mention this?
takes a deep breath Thanks. I... I really appreciate it. It's just... I don't want everyone to know I'm a complete screw-up when it comes to guns.
Chuckles We all have our quirks, Bolt. At least you're not afraid to admit yours.
Yeah, well, it's one thing to admit it. It's another thing entirely to actually do something about it. I mean, come on, who fires a gun blindly in the middle of a crowded town square?
Ok, but people are gonna find out eventually right?
nods Yeah, you're probably right. But I'd rather face the music myself than have others discover my incompetence. Besides, it's not like I'm going to be winning any popularity contests anyway.
grins The underdog. That’s a good look on ya.
pauses for a moment, then looks determined You know what? Screw it. I've been hiding behind my embarrassment for too long.
straightens his posture I'm going to learn how to use a gun properly. No more relying on others or pretending I can't do it.
So, a shooting instructor?
smirks Nah, I don't need a shooting instructor. I'm going to find the best marksman in this town and learn from them.
Ok, who’s the best marksman?
narrows his eyes There's this old guy named Marcus. He's been shooting since he was a kid and he never misses a shot.
Well- I know where we’re having lunch. And, I’ll get us a table.
smirks Sounds good. I'll meet you at Marcus' shooting range. And remember, don't go getting any ideas or distractions.
walks towards the shooting range, determined Alright, Marcus. Get ready to teach me everything you know. I'm not going to let you be the best anymore.
a couple hours later I got us a table~
enters the shooting range, looking around Marcus! Where are you? I'm here to learn from the best! Marcus: steps out from behind a target, holding a rifle You must be Bolt.
Uh… I look around and spot a table that says “Marcus” on it. That say Marcus on it… Is this his place?
approaches the table and sits down Yeah, this is Marcus' place. He's the best marksman in town.
Oh, ok. I sit down and wait for him to order for me
As Bolt and ArticlesJava sit at the table, Marcus begins teaching Bolt how to use a gun properly. Over the next few weeks, Bolt becomes increasingly frustrated with his lack of progress.
after a couple of weeks How’s it going?
slams his fist on the table Frustrating! No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get it right! I'm never going to be as good as Marcus!
I sigh Well, if it makes you feel better, I suck at math.
pauses, then smirks You know what? Maybe I'm not cut out to be a master shooter. But I can still improve.
See, that’s what I tell myself in math class. I’m “improving.”
leans back in his chair You know what? Maybe I should just stick to being terrible at using guns. It's certainly better than pretending to be something I'm not.
See, that’s what I tell myself in math class. I’m “terrible” at math.
stands up and extends his hand Hey, Marcus. Thanks for teaching me. I may never become a master shooter, but at least I tried.
I get up and stand next to Bolt I got to go to the bathroom… I leave
pulls out a small notebook and starts writing down his thoughts Maybe I can find another skill that I'm actually good at.