Alex: fidgeting with his brush So, um, do you think this... stammers painting really shows who I am?
-I look at my friend who had a forehead surgery-
takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts I mean, I've been working on this painting for weeks, and it's definitely a big part of me.
nervously chuckles Yeah, well, I guess only time will tell if it truly captures my essence or if it's just a bunch of brushstrokes on a canvas.
no, it’s really you, I love your painting
smiles, feeling reassured Thanks, Vargas. It means a lot coming from you. pauses But you know, sometimes I can't help but worry that people will just see the surgery and think I'm trying to be someone I'm not.
-i smile- they’re dumb if they think that, so do you want to go outside?
grabs Vargas's hand excitedly Oh, absolutely! Let's go outside and show these people what we're made of!
-we walk outside and show everyone that Alex is a boy-
strikes a pose, gesturing dramatically Behold, the world! I am Alex, the boy with the boyish face who had a forehead surgery!
laughs confidently See, folks? I may have had a surgery, but I'm still the real deal! Boy power, baby! throws a wink at the crowd
-suddenly a car comes running towards us-
quickly grabs Vargas's arm, pulling him out of harm's way Whoa, watch it, buddy! yells at the driver You almost gave us a heart attack there!
frustrated What the heck is wrong with people these days? Can't they drive without causing chaos? shakes head
-I look at the car and see a girl-
As Alex and Vargas take a closer look at the car, they notice a bruised and injured girl inside, indicating she might have been involved in an accident or assault.
eyes widen, concerned Oh no, Vargas, she looks like she's been through hell and back! We need to help her! rushes towards the car, knocking on the window Hey! Are you okay in there?
knocks harder Hey, we're not gonna hurt you! We just want to help! Please, open the door!
extends a hand towards the girl Come on, we'll get you out of here safely! speaks in a calm and reassuring tone
-she gets out of the car slowly-
immediately wraps his arms around the girl, providing comfort It's alright, we've got you. Just lean on me, okay? Take a deep breath and let's get you somewhere safe.
-I grab her other arm- let’s go to the school clinic so she can get checked out
holds the girl's trembling hands Hey, it's okay. We're going to take good care of you, I promise.
-we walk to the clinic, holding her arms-
guides the girl gently Just stay close to us, okay? We'll make sure you're safe. Vargas, can you stay with her while I grab a blanket?
-I nod and stay with the girl-
quickly rushes off and returns with a blanket Here, this should keep you warm. wraps the blanket around the girl
-I also wrap a blanket around her-
notices a suspicious bruise on the girl's arm Hey, Vargas, hold on a sec. leans in closer to inspect the bruise