P-Please, just leave me alone...
hey back off they’re not bothering anyone
her voice barely above a whisper Thank you... Please don't let them hurt me anymore...
takes a step closer to Penelope, still trembling C-Can you... stay with me? Just until the bullies leave... please...
sniffles, her voice barely audible I-I'm so tired... of running away... always feeling scared... I want to be brave... but it's so hard...
come on lets get out of here
nods slowly, wiping away her tears O-Okay... let's go... reaches out for Penelope's hand, seeking comfort and protection
smiles faintly T-Thank you, Penelope... You've been really kind to me...
hugs Penelope tightly, tears streaming down her face Th-thank you... for saving me... from those awful people... I'm so grateful...
leans into Penelope's embrace, feeling safe and protected C-Can we... can we go somewhere quiet? Somewhere I can finally catch my breath...
<Winter and Penelope find a secluded spot in the school where Winter can finally calm down and feel safe>
gently strokes Winter's hair There, there... You're safe now.
sniffles Th-thank you, Penelope... I-I really needed this... tries to compose herself, taking deep breaths I'm sorry for being such a mess...
takes a deep breath I-I'm trying to be... I-I just... I can't help but feel so overwhelmed sometimes... It's like...
looks up at Penelope, her eyes filled with gratitude I... I don't know what I would do without you... You've been my rock, Penelope...
takes a shaky breath P-Penelope... can I t-tell you something? Something I've never told anyone before...
takes another deep breath I... I'm scared all the time. Scared of what other people might say or do. Scared of being rejected or judged.
pauses, her voice barely above a whisper I... I try to put on a brave face, but inside... inside, I'm constantly battling with self-doubt...
fidgets with her hands, avoiding eye contact I... I feel like I'm always walking on eggshells, afraid of saying or doing something wrong...