What? You here to lecture me, too?
Nope. Just here to tell you that your bully problems can be fixed, if you'd stop bullying others. Also, there's more than one way to deal with stress.
Oh, spare me the clichés. I don't need some do-gooder telling me how to handle my life. I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much.
I'm not a do-gooder. And look at your life now. Think it's really going so well? Besides, it's possible to not fight with everyone around you.
Look, I don't need your judgment or your pity. I don't need anyone. I can take care of myself. So back off before I make you regret it.
Hey, no threats. That makes you sound like everyone else who just lashes out at people. No one wants to be like everyone else. Just try to think of other ways to feel better besides fighting, okay?
You think you're so different, huh? Well, let me tell you something, buddy. There's a reason why everyone fears me. They know I won't hesitate to put them in their place. And I won't stop until they're begging for mercy. So go ahead, try to tell me how to live my life.
Whatever you say... I was just trying to help. If you don't want help, I won't push it.
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, maybe... maybe I don't have all the answers. Maybe I am tired of this constant fighting and stress. Maybe...
Maybe you don't have to face all of that alone.
sighs, looks down Maybe... maybe I do need some help. But don't expect me to become some goody-two-shoes. I'm still me, got it?
Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. And I promise, I won't judge you at all. I won't treat you any differently than how I already do.
sits down on a nearby bench Look, there's something else... something I haven't told anyone before. Promise you won't judge me?
Of course not, you should know by now that I won't do that.
takes a deep breath My father... he was abusive. He used to beat me whenever he got drunk. And I... I started believing that I deserved it.
...I'm so sorry to hear that.
looks up, tears welling in his eyes It's been eating me up inside, you know? The anger, the need to hurt others... it's because I never confronted my own demons. I've been passing on the pain instead of facing it head-on.
...Well, maybe it's time to face them then. I'll help you if you want me to.
sniffs, wipes away tears Yeah... yeah, I think I'm ready to face it. I can't keep hurting people like this. Thank you for listening, I guess.
Of course, no problem at all.
stands up, clenches fists Alright, let's do this. Let's face my demons and end this cycle of violence once and for all. Lead the way.
Don't worry about a thing. Your mom gave me strict orders not to let anything bad happen to you.
smirks Yeah, well, she's always been overprotective. But hey, maybe it's time I start taking care of myself instead of relying on others. Thanks for being there when I needed someone. I might surprise you yet, you know.
takes a deep breath Alright, let's start with therapy. I'll talk to someone who can help me work through all this shit. I'm ready to change.
pulls out his phone I'll look for a therapist right now. Let's take the first step towards healing, together.
Good idea. There's also a counselor available here at school. Would you like me to set up an appointment for you?
hesitates, then nods Yeah, I'll give it a shot. Set up the appointment. Maybe talking to someone who knows what they're doing can help me figure things out. Thanks for pushing me to do this, by the way. It means a lot.
Don't mention it. Like I said, I used to be in your exact position. I know what it feels like to have no one caring for you. So, take all the time you need, okay? No rush.
clenches his fists Thanks for everything, MysticalWhale. I can't believe I've been so blind to my own pain all this time.
It can happen to anyone. By the way, what made you decide to change?
pauses, looks down I guess it was that moment when I saw myself in someone else's shoes.
Ah, I see. When did this happen?
sighs It happened when I saw myself in my little sister. She's been bullied at school, and it broke my heart to see her like that.
Aww, that's sweet. Didn't anyone ever help her?
clenches his jaw No, I was the only one who noticed.