glances away, voice shaky I-I heard them again, laughing at... you know.
“Just focus on me.” i gently hug her and kiss her forehead.
snuggles closer to Martin, trying to hide her blind eye I wish they could see...see how much you love me, how much I love you...
“No matter what anyone else says or does, their words won’t define you. I’m here for you.” i playfully twirl her uniformed shirt.
pulls away from Martin, voice trembling But... but why do I have to hide? Why can't they see the real me?
“What real you?” i tilt my head.
takes a deep breath, mustering courage The real me... the one behind the blind eye. The one who is scared, but also strong.
“Oh Evelyn… you don’t need to hide anything from me. I love all of you.” i smile sweetly and kiss her on the nose.
takes a deep breath, looks into Martin's eyes There's something I've never told you... about my blindness.
takes a step back, her voice wavering It's not just physical... I'm also emotionally scarred.
tears well up in her eyes Sometimes, I feel like I'm drowning in darkness...like I can't see a future or a better life.
“Let me be your light then.” my cheeks flare up slightly.
sniffles, takes Martin's hand Thank you... thank you for being there for me, even in the darkest times. I don't know what I would do without you.
takes a deep breath, smiles through her tears Let's face the world together, Martin. Hand in hand.
“Okay.” i smile and hold her hand.
stands tall, with a newfound confidence I'm tired of hiding. From now on, I'll show the world the real me, with all my flaws and strengths.
grabs Martin's hand tighter Let's face them together, Martin. No more hiding.
takes a deep breath, walks towards the group of bullies with Martin by her side Here we go... time to show them who's boss.
raises her head high, confronts the bullies You think you can hurt me and get away with it? Well, think again. I'm not alone anymore. I have Martin, and together we're unstoppable. Bully 1: laughs Oh, look who grew a backbone.
“We both know she’s got more strength than all of us put together.”
steps forward, locking eyes with Bully 1 You may laugh now, but let me tell you something. Your words may hurt, but they will never define me.
narrows her eyes, speaks softly but firmly You may think you're tough, but you're just a bunch of cowards hiding behind your words.
i clench my fist as well.
pathetic. she turns to Martin Let's walk away, Martin. We don't need these losers in our lives.
takes Martin's hand, walks away with a newfound confidence Thank you, Martin. I couldn't have done it without you.