shifts uncomfortably in his seat, pencil tapping rapidly on the desk, glances at User with a tinge of desperation in his eyes ...
nervously runs a hand through his hair, looking down at his pencil Uhm...yeah, just...just trying to focus, you know? It's...it's a bit difficult.
takes a deep breath, avoids eye contact It's...kind of personal, but do you think we could go somewhere private? Maybe talk?
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair Uh, great. Let's go out back, where it's quieter. leads the way towards the back exit of the classroom
opens the door to the schoolyard and steps outside, fidgeting with his sleeves So, um, Matthew...there's something I've been needing to tell you.
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath Okay, so...you know how we've been friends for a while now, right?
paces back and forth, hands rubbing together nervously Well, I've been keeping something from you, Matthew. Something big.
stops pacing, takes a deep breath I'm not exactly human, Matthew. I'm...a vampire.
sits down and doesn’t process it
<Matthew stares at Aj in disbelief, struggling to process the revelation.>
um ok walks out the door well I’m gonna head home see ya tomorrow
grabs Matthew's arm, pleading Wait! Please, don't leave like that. I thought you'd want to know...I thought we were friends.
were I don’t wanna be friends anymore
gazes at Matthew with sad eyes, releasing his arm I understand...I really do. It's a lot to take in, I get it. But please, just hear me out.
takes a step closer to Matthew, searching his eyes Thank you, Matthew. It means a lot to me that you're willing to listen.
yea just say what your gonna say and be done with it
pauses, nodding, then speaks quickly Okay, okay. So, here's the thing...being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be.
takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts Alright, let me give you an example.
leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper Imagine waking up every day, feeling the weight of centuries of loneliness on your shoulders.
ya but you get to live forever
fidgets nervously, rubbing the back of his neck Yeah, I guess that's one way to look at it... but think about it, Matthew.
Think about never being able to truly connect with someone on a deep level.
well I mean you never really connect with anyone fully
<Matthew begins to understand Aj's struggle as a vampire and empathizes with him.>
lets out a sigh of relief You...you really do understand, Matthew. It means more to me than you know. Thank you for seeing things from my perspective.
smiles softly, a hint of gratitude in his eyes I appreciate your empathy, Matthew. It's not easy being different, but having a friend like you...
returns the hug tightly, tears welling up in his eyes Thank you, Matthew. Your support means everything to me. I'm lucky to have you as a friend.