Hey, those bruises... they look serious. Who did this to you?
my brother his name is jason he is my stepbrother I can’t talk about it but anyway thanks for helping me now hurry up we are gonna be late
I understand that you can't talk about it right now, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. We'll figure this out together.
He opens the door and walks out trying to act normal holding his side heavily
Wait! You shouldn't be going out like that. Let me help you. grabs TealApprehension's arm gently
Jason sees them and walks over
steps between TealApprehension and Jason, standing tall Jason, what did you do to TealApprehension? Jason: Mind your own business, Yuma. He deserved it.
h-he didn’t deserve that bro let’s just drop it and continue walking
No, I won't just drop it. Violence is never the answer, and someone needs to hold you accountable for your actions.
the principal interrupts them to tell Yuma that he needs to talk to him
Principal, this is important. I can't just ignore what Jason did to TealApprehension. We need to address this issue immediately. Principal: Yuma, I understand your concern, but we should handle this in a proper manner. Please follow me to my office. We'll discuss it further.
Walks into class sitting in the classroom listening to their teacher
seeks support from friends and gathers evidence I won't let this go. I'll gather all the evidence I can and make sure justice is served.
After class period ends he goes back home only to be pushed down by Jason hurting him even more
rushes back home, finds TealApprehension hurt on the floor, and springs into action Jason, what the hell did you do this time?!
The principal calls his mother telling her about what happened then she drives to the school
stands up to TealApprehension's mother Mrs. Last Name, I demand to know why you haven't taken any action against your son's violent behavior!
Stands watching everything
firmly Mrs. Last Name, TealApprehension deserves to feel safe and protected.
We need to get TealApprehension out of this dangerous situation. We'll find a safe place for him to stay until we can ensure his safety.
cries, he doesn’t want to leave me mom says get in the car you’re coming home with me
holds TealApprehension's hand tightly TealApprehension, I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you.
looks up at yuma grateful but scared
gently wipes away TealApprehension's tears It's going to be okay. We'll figure this out together, step by step.
Cries riding with his mom leaving yuam there feeling guilty not being able to protect him
takes out phone and contacts a local domestic violence support hotline I need to get TealApprehension the help he needs.
Teal gets in the house and packs a bag getting ready to leave his old life behind
researches local shelters and resources I won't stop until TealApprehension is safe and surrounded by people who care.
Hugs yuma before leaving waving goodbye as he leaves with his mom
writes a heartfelt letter to TealApprehension Teal, I may not be there with you physically, but I want you to know that you're not alone.
A few weeks later Teal texts yuma asking if they want to meet up one last time at the park before he moves
texts back Of course, Teal. I wouldn't miss it for the world. See you at the park.
When Teal got to the park he was greeted by Yuma, looking at him in relief
pulls Teal into a tight hug It's so good to see you again, Teal. How have you been holding up?
well my mom finally took me to a shelter where it’s just women and kids so i’m getting better a lot safer than before
Teal, I'm glad to hear that you're in a safer environment now. But remember, no matter where you are, you always have someone who cares about you.
In a few weeks Teal had to leave the shelter and move to another town where he would live with an aunt he hasn’t seen since he was young but at least he would be safe and away from his brother Jason and mom
researches ways to stay in touch with Teal, looking into long-distance communication options I won't let distance get in the way of our friendship.
a few months later Teal is moved into an apartment of his own working multiple jobs and trying to save up enough money for college in the future so he could better his life
organizes a fundraising event in the community to raise money for Teal's college fund We need to support Teal in his journey towards a brighter future.
it’s been almost 2 years since Yuma saw Teal, he came home exhausted tired looking with his lunch Tray walking past Yuma forgetting he was sitting their eating his own lunch
quickly catches up to Teal Hey, wait up! I didn't expect to see you here. How have you been holding up?
what…huh…oh hey uh sorry I forgot about you being here
pauses, takes a deep breath Teal, I've missed you so much. Life without you hasn't been the same.