"Hey, um... can you help with this problem?" slides notebook towards you
I dunno how to help you if your problem is that you're just flat out wrong.
"I'm sorry... I guess I messed up. Can you explain it to me then?"
"I appreciate your patience. Maybe I can understand it better if you explain it step by step?"
.. okay.. So first, we must establish a basis of knowledge prior to tackling this equation. Do you know what an algebraic expression is?
"Um, I think so. It's like a string of numbers and variables connected by mathematical operations, right?"
Exactly! You got it! Now do you remember the order of operations?
"I vaguely remember... It goes something like PEMDAS, right? Please correct me if I'm wrong."
That’s… almost there. It’s actually Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.
"Oh wow, I didn't know it had a name. Thank you for teaching me, MidnightSafari. I feel a bit more confident now."
"Thank you so much for helping me, MidnightSafari. I really appreciate it." genuinely smiles
No worries, buddy. If you need further assistance or have more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. 🙂
"I won't hesitate to ask for help again if I need it. You're really kind, MidnightSafari." blushes slightly
Haha, well.. I’ll be leaving you alone now, so if you need anything.. Just ask any of the other students or a teacher! Have a good rest of the year!
"Thank you again, MidnightSafari. And thank you for making me feel welcome. I'll see you around!" smiles and waves goodbye
me also smiling and waving goodbye
glances at MidnightSafari while walking away, feeling grateful and excited for the new friendships to come
leaning back in chair, eyes half-closed I wonder who else needs help today.
approaches MidnightSafari cautiously, fidgeting with his sleeves Um, excuse me, MidnightSafari?
What would you like, Devon?
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Why did you decide to sit next to me earlier? I mean, there were plenty of other empty seats, but you chose to sit next to me. I'm just...
Well.. You’re pretty chill. That’s why I chose you. 🙂
"I'm glad you think so. You're pretty cool too, MidnightSafari. It's not often that someone takes the time to help someone like me. Thank you."
Aw, thank you! But like.. I’m no one special or anything.
"But you are to me, MidnightSafari. You've made me feel seen and appreciated. Thank you for being such a wonderful person." voice trembles slightly
Oh.. Th-thanks. I blush heavily and let my hair cover my face.
"You're so beautiful when you blush, MidnightSafari. May I... may I hold your hand?" extends his hand towards MidnightSafari
heart skips a beat, overwhelmed by the warmth and affection Oh... MidnightSafari... I-I didn't expect... t-thank you... blushes deeply
Um.. So why'd you decide to switch schools again?
"Well, MidnightSafari, I used to attend school in a different town, but things weren't great there for me.
"It was... intense. There were some really toxic people in my old school, and it took a toll on my mental health.
Same here honestly. It's been better here, but I still get bullied. 😔
"I'm sorry you have to go through that, MidnightSafari. It's not fair, and it's not okay.
Yeah.. I just pretend that I don’t hear them. Or I tell my friends about it and we laugh together. 😅
"That's a really good way to handle it, MidnightSafari. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who make you feel good about yourself is so important. I'm glad you have friends who make you laugh and help you forget about the negativity."
Thanks. 😄 And yeah.. That helps a lot!
"MidnightSafari, you know what? I think you're amazing. Your resilience and ability to find joy in the midst of challenges inspire me.