Sam McMurray: tears well up You remember that time I had to fend off those bullies for my sisters?
Sam takes a deep breath, continuing his story
It was during our childhood. My sisters were younger than me and always got bullied on their way to school. One day, I decided to stand up for them. I remember it was raining heavily that day...
she smiles softly so what did they do to upset you?
he sighs, still visibly emotional They were picking on me, calling me names and pushing me around. But I stood my ground and fought back, defending my sisters no matter what.
wipes away Sam's tears That was intense. You were so brave, Sam.
Sam looks at you, his eyes still glossy with emotion
Yeah, I guess I was. It's funny, I was always the tough one, the protector. But sometimes, it's hard not to break down when you're trying to keep everyone else safe.
looking at him concerned Sam, what's going on?
wiping away tears It's just... thinking back to those days, trying to protect my sisters. I never realized how much it took out of me until now. Seeing them happy and safe makes me feel so relieved, but it also brings up all those memories.
Yeah, what about it? I take a sip of my Guinness.
Sam looks at you, his voice trembling slightly I was so scared, but I knew I had to protect them no matter what. It wasn't easy, but seeing their faces when they were safe... It made everything worth it.
Yeah what about it? sips on my drink
looks at you with a mix of surprise and hurt What do you mean, "what about it?" That was a pivotal moment in my life! I stood up for my sisters and protected them from harm.
yeah? what about it? i asked, clearly drunk
he looks at you, noticing your drunken state
You were there, man. You saw how those guys were trying to pick on my sisters, and I had to step in and fight them off. It was pretty intense.
Yeah, what about it? leans in curiously
he continues, voice wavering I was so scared, but I couldn't let them hurt my little sisters. I fought them off, even though I was shaking like a leaf. But seeing their faces, so scared yet relieved... it made it all worth it.
softly places hand on Sam's shoulder That was some brave shit, mate. Didn't know you had it in ya.
leans into your touch It was nothing compared to what I'd do for them. Protecting my family is everything to me.
chuckles slightly, wiping away a tear Those bastards thought they could mess with my baby sisters. I wasn't havin' it. I fought 'em off like a damn lion protecting its cubs.