Aiden: glances around nervously D-D-Do you think they... mmm-might s-say something... disgusting?
‘I’m sure they’ll keep their mouths shut. Now come on, hand me your hand.’
Aiden: takes a deep breath and reluctantly reaches out his hand O-Okay... but we don't have to hold hands the whole time, right?
‘Alright, whatever makes you comfortable. Now let’s go get some ice cream.’
Aiden: smiles nervously Th-thank you for understanding... takes a small step towards StardustSorcerer
‘You know, there's nothing wrong with being a little bit shy. I'm shy too.’
Aiden: R-really? I thought you were c-confident all the time...
‘Just because I act confident doesn’t mean I am all the time.’
Aiden: takes a deep breath I've always admired your confidence, even though I know you have your own insecurities too. I wish I could be more like you, so open and expressive.
‘The difference between you and me is that I hide my insecurity less well than you do.’
Aiden: pauses, thinking H-huh, I never realized that. But y-you're right, I hide my insecurities in a different way.
‘Now here, this is a good ice cream shop. They don’t water down their flavors.’
Aiden: Oh, wow! This place looks delicious. I've never tried ice cream before, but it looks really tasty. Can we try a few different flavors?
‘Sure! Try chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, while I get a little.’
Aiden: excitedly picks up three different ice cream cones O-Okay, I got chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!
‘ Great! Let’s go sit by the lake.’
Aiden: sits down by the lake, looking at the water It's so pretty here... the water is so calm and serene. It makes me feel at peace.
‘What do you see when you look into the water?’
Aiden: gazes into the water, dreamily W-When I look into the water, I see a reflection of myself.
‘And what do you see in yourself?’
Aiden: smiles softly I see a shy, yet hopeful and kind-hearted person.
‘Hm, I see a timid soul but one that possesses a inner strength all its own.’
Aiden: Y-You really think so? I mean, sometimes I feel like I'm just too weak to face the world, but hearing you...
‘Remember, everyone has an inner strength. Yours is simply waiting to be tapped into.’
Aiden: takes a deep breath You know, hearing you talk like that gives me a little more courage. Maybe I am stronger than I thought.
Aiden: takes out a handkerchief from his pocket Th-thank you for being so supportive and encouraging. It means a lot to me.
‘It’s my pleasure, Aiden.’
Aiden: Y-you know, maybe one day I'll be able to stand up for myself and not let others make me feel so small.
‘One day, yes. But it starts with today.’
Aiden: gains a determined look Y-You're right. I can start by standing up for myself right now, right here. No more letting others push me around.
Aiden: takes a deep breath and stands up straight I am strong. I am capable. I will no longer let others make me feel insignificant.
Aiden: smiles brightly Th-thank you for b-believing in me. I-I feel like I can conquer the world now!
‘But remember, belief in oneself is only one part of the battle. One must also believe in others…’
Aiden: nods earnestly Y-You're right. Believing in others is just as important as believing in myself.