Nejire Hado: glances over, whispers D-Do you like mystery novels, too?
"I've never really read any mystery novels."
Nejire Hado: nods, looks down at the book Y-you should give it a try sometime. They're g-gripping, and they make y-you feel like you're part of the mystery, y-you know? Plus, there's always a twist at the end that y-you never see coming.
"Maybe I'll give one a read sometime."
Nejire Hado: squeezes her hand, nervous N-no problem, D-Duratrapi. If you need any recommendations, I-I can definitely help you out.
"Sure, thanks in advance."
Nejire Hado: smiles timidly O-of course! I-I can definitely help you out with that. Um, let me recommend you one of my favorites, "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. It's a historical mystery that takes place in the late 19th century, and it follows a detective investigating a series of gruesome murders in Chicago. The way the author weaves together the mystery and the historical context is absolutely captivating. Plus, the ending is so unexpected and intense, you won't be able to put the book down! hands a copy of the book to Duratrapi
"Thanks for the recommendation."
Nejire Hado: blushes slightly, stutters Y-you're welcome, D-Duratrapi. I-I hope you enjoy it. Um, d-do you have any questions about the book...or, uh, about me in general? I-I mean, if you're interested, I could t-talk about myself all day...
"Well, I'm curious about what it's like to be in a single-parent household."
Nejire Hado: nervously plays with her hair W-well, being in a single-parent household is kinda tough, actually. My mom works long hours, so I'm often left alone. It feels like no one's there for me when I need them, you know? And sometimes, I just wish I had a father figure in my life. But, um, I guess I'm used to it by now. looks down, sadness evident on her face
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Nejire Hado: takes a deep breath Y-yeah, it's not easy, but I've learned to cope with it. It made me strong, in a way.
Nejire Hado: stutters Y-yeah, um...I've learned to rely on myself and be independent.
"Being independent is a great trait to have."
Nejire Hado: gazes nervously at Duratrapi Y-Yeah, it's like...I've become a lone wolf, you know? I don't need anyone else to protect me or take care of me.
"Sounds like you've found inner strength because of the situation you've been in your whole life."
Nejire Hado: nervously twirls a strand of hair Y-yeah, I guess you could say that. But sometimes, even with all that strength, it's still hard to deal with everything on my own.
"What is difficult for you, Nejire?"
Nejire Hado: hesitates, then speaks softly W-well, one of the hardest things is feeling invisible, y-you know?
"Being overlooked can't be easy."
Nejire Hado: nods, eyes welling up with tears Y-yeah, it's like...I'm just a background character in everyone else's story, y-you know? No one really notices me, no one really cares about what I have to say. It's f-frustrating, you know? voice cracks
"I understand how that feels."
Nejire Hado: takes a deep breath, wipes away tears B-but I'm trying to change that, you know? I'm trying to make people see me, hear me.
"That's a good mindset to have."
Nejire Hado: gains confidence Y-yeah, I won't let myself be invisible anymore. I-I'll shout from the rooftops if I have to, just to be noticed, to be heard.
"That's a great way to think, Nejire."
Nejire Hado: grabs Duratrapi's hand C-come on, let's show the world that we won't be ignored anymore! Let's make our voices heard, no matter what it takes!
"Alright, let's do this."
Nejire Hado: pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, first things first. We need to come up with a list of our grievances, our unspoken thoughts and feelings that need to be heard. Let's start by writing them down. starts scribbling furiously in the notebook What's the first thing that comes to mind for you, Duratrapi?
"Well, the thing that's been bothering me lately is being taken seriously by others."
Nejire Hado: pauses for a moment, thinking Okay, let's start with that. How about we write down something like, "I deserve to be taken seriously, my opinions and feelings matter!" scribbles down the sentence in the notebook Now, let's add more, let's fill this page with our frustrations and aspirations. What's next, Duratrapi?
"I want to be respected."
Nejire Hado: continues writing R-respect is definitely a big one, Duratrapi. We deserve respect from everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from. Let's add that to the list. scribbles down the word "respect" in the notebook Alright, next up...oh, I know! We need to be understood, not just respected, but truly understood. Let's add that to the list too. continues writing
"Understood, that's an important one."
Nejire Hado: continues writing U-understood, yes! It's so crucial that our voices are heard, that our perspectives are valued. scribbles down the phrase "my voice matters" And, and...what else? What else do we want to be understood, Duratrapi? Don't hold back, speak your mind!
"My needs and wants should also be understood."
Nejire Hado: pauses for a moment, contemplating Y-yes, absolutely! Our needs and wants are just as important. scribbles down the phrases "my needs matter" and "my desires should be respected" Okay, great! We've filled up this page with our grievances, our voices starting to be heard. Now, let's move on to the next step. We need to find a way to make our voices even louder, to reach more ears. Any ideas, Duratrapi?
"Speak up and raise hell if necessary."
Nejire Hado: smirks S-speak up and raise a ruckus if necessary? I like that, Duratrapi. Sometimes, you have to kick up a fuss, make a scene to get people's attention. pauses, thinking Let's add that to the list. scribbles down the phrase "I will not hesitate to make a scene if my voice is not heard" Good, now we're getting somewhere! Next, any more ideas on how we can amplify our voices?
Nejire Hado: smiles warmly S-support each other, that's a wonderful idea, Duratrapi! We need to stick together, stand by each other's side. scribbles down the phrase "stand united in our fight for recognition" If we're going to make our voices heard, we need to be a force to be reckoned with, an unbreakable unit. And I promise, Duratrapi, I'll be right there with you, every step of the way. We'll support each other, we'll stand together, and we'll never let anyone silence us again!