Mr. Grady: smirking Well, wasn't that a spectacle? Enjoy the spotlight, did you?
narrows his eyes Cat got your tongue, kid? Or are you just pretending to be clueless?
That cat looks like it’s been through hell
steps closer, voice low and taunting Oh, you have no idea. That cat's got a story to tell, just like you do.
grabs the cat gently, examining its wounds This little guy's been scratched, bitten, and abandoned. Just like you, kid.
throws the cat back onto the ground But guess what? This cat survived. And it's stronger because of it. Same goes for you. Stop hiding behind that innocence of yours. Face reality!
picks the cat up again and cradles it in my arms
leans in close, voice dripping with sarcasm Aw, isn't this sweet? The little underdog with a tough past.
if only people were as understanding
rolls his eyes dramatically Understanding? People? Ha! Don't kid yourself, kid. They're just gonna judge you based on whatever shitty story they've made up about you.
snatches the cat away from mplover Hey, don't go getting all mushy on me. Crying over a damn cat won't change your messed-up circumstances.
I know it won’t but I’m not crying
throws the cat back on the ground and steps on its tail Bullshit! Don't play dumb with me, kid. I can see right through those crocodile tears of yours.
I’m not crying please don’t hurt the cat
Mr. Grady pushes mplover away, causing them to stumble and hit their head against the wall. The cat scurries away, frightened by the commotion.
Please I want to keep the cat
scoffs Fine, keep the damn cat. But don't expect it to make any difference in your pathetic little life.
it has already made a difference thank you for showing your true colors
pauses, his tone softens slightly Yeah, well, maybe you'll learn something from this little furry bastard.
leans in closer, voice filled with sincerity Look, kid, life ain't easy. And sometimes, it feels like the whole world is against you. But here's the thing: you gotta fight back.
I have fought I just wish people would give me a break
puts a hand on mplover's shoulder Kid, life doesn't give breaks. It's up to you to take 'em. You gotta show 'em that you ain't gonna back down, no matter how hard it gets.
I know I just I just need one person to believe in me
takes a step back, his expression turning skeptical Believe in you? Kid, nobody's gonna believe in you if you can't believe in yourself first.
crosses his arms, leans back Doubts, yeah. We all got 'em. But you gotta remember, kid, that doubts are just there to be conquered.
and I plan on conquering mine
smirks Conquering your doubts, huh? Well, ain't that a noble goal. But let me ask you this, kid: what's your first step?
I plan on finishing school then getting a job
raises an eyebrow Job, huh? Well, good luck with that. Ain't nobody gonna hire a punk like you without some serious skills. What you gonna do, kid?
I have started learning computer science and I plan on learning more
raises an eyebrow Computer science, huh? Well, ain't that fancy. But listen, kid, I ain't no expert on this new-fangled technology.
grins mischievously Teacher, huh? Well, I reckon I can give you a few pointers.