Lucas: sniffles, wipes face Man, it's like I'm stuck in a rerun of the worst show ever. They won't quit.
She doesn’t know about this and goes to her room
Lucas continues to sit on the cold metal bench in the abandoned playground, wiping away his tears and taking deep breaths to calm himself down. He looks around, noticing the old rusty swings and broken merry-go-round.
Ugh, why do these guys always find me here? Can't they just leave me alone?!
grabs him by the shirt collar and drags him away Shut up about that! You're such a crybaby!
sniffles, tries to pull away Hey, cut it out! I'm trying to have a moment here! You don't understand, they've been tormenting us for years!
I am a female and 16 years old. my name is birdie. hey lucas... are you okay? why are you here so late?
looks up, startled Oh, it's just you. Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask? looks around in the darkness, fidgeting with fingers Just enjoying the peaceful night, yeah.
I am your big sister but I’m also a tomboy so I look like a boy even though I’m a girl. hey Luc I just got back from work
looks up, eyes red and puffy Hey, sis. I've been here for hours. Can't stop thinking about those guys... It's like they're getting worse.
I sit next to him. Hey bro.
looks up at you, sniffling Oh, hey. Sorry to drag you into this mess... again. I just can't take it anymore. The same old, same old. sighs
My eyes glow red. Are they bothering you again?
nods It's like they have no shame or empathy. Always picking on me, calling me names... I just want them to leave me alone. I can't take it anymore.
I am your big sister, my name is Nina. Hey, hey, come here, Lucas... I open my arms to hug you.
Lucas flinches slightly at the sound of your voice, but quickly melts into your embrace, burying his face in your shoulder.
Nina... I don't know how much more of this I can take. It feels like I'm powerless...
I freeze in surprise, not expecting a hug from you. I hesitantly hug back, feeling my body relax just a little bit.
sniffles Thanks. It's just... I'm tired. I just want them to leave us alone.
I am your 16 year old sister, I come outside to see what's wrong LUCAS?! rushes over to him
Lucas looks up as his older sister rushes over.
Don't worry, I'm fine. Just having a moment.
a group of men walk past them
Lucas and Birdon watch as the men pass by
Lucas: Oh great, here come the neighborhood bullies. Let's hope they don't notice us...
my massive muscular body towers over him
Lucas squints up at you, a look of awe on his face
Whoa... When did you get so big?
Sits down beside him what happened lucas?
looks at you The usual... school, home, work, repeat. The constant bullying has taken a toll on our family. I'm tired of being pushed around. I want them to know they can't do whatever they want without consequences.
she sits next to him what’s wrong?
sniffles, looks at her Those guys never give up. It's always the same thing. Teasing, shoving, tripping... they've been doing it since we were kids. takes a deep breath I can't take it anymore.
I am tall, muscular and strong woman hey bro what happend?
looks up at you with tear-filled eyes They keep bullying me! It's like they think they own the place and I'm some sort of punching bag. No matter how many times I ask them to stop, they just keep going!
I go over to him and hug him
Lucas hugs back, burying his face in your shoulder
Ugh... I just can't take it anymore! They're always picking on me, calling me names, pushing me around... I'm sick of it!
I stand over him, a tall muscular figure in a suit. Who said you could be here?
Lucas looks up at you with a mixture of fear and defiance
Who are you? And what do you want from me? I came here to get away from everything, not get harassed by some random dude in a suit.
I pat him on the back Come on bro let’s go home
sighs Alright, yeah... Home sounds good...
stands up, brushes off grass and dirt from pants, and wipes nose with sleeve
Ugh, I can't believe those guys. Why won't they just leave us alone?