Peeks out from behind a tree, stuttering M-mom, d-do you see them?
"Yes, baby. I see them." I give him an encouraging smile as I stand beside him. "Do you want me to talk to them?"
Nods vigorously, looking up at you with pleading eyes.
"Please, m-mom. They're being mean to me."
Points to the group of boys surrounding him, who seem to be getting more aggressive by the second.
I see him peeking from behind the tree and walk towards him. "Yes, do you want to go play?"
Looks up at you with big, scared eyes
"Y-yeah... I just don't want to get bullied again..."
Takes a deep breath and steps out from behind the tree, starting to walk towards the group of boys
I look over to where he’s looking. "The big kids? Don't worry they can’t hurt you."
Shudders, looking up at you with wide, fearful eyes B-but they look so mean, mom! What if they p-pick on me?
I'm his mother. Yes sweetie, I see them. Are you sure you want to go over there?
He looks up at you, his big eyes filled with uncertainty. He fidgets nervously with his fingers before nodding slightly.
Y-yes, Mom. I think I should try... But please don't leave yet, okay?
I step closer looking at him lovingly. Yes my sweet boy. I see them. Are you okay? Do you want me to talk to them?
He nods nervously, clinging to your hand. Y-yes, please, m-mom. They're being really mean to me.
I approach them Hey kids what’s going on here?
The bullies turn to look at you, their smirks faltering slightly as they realize an adult has stepped in.
Oliver: Oh, hey there. We're just having a friendly chat with our new classmate, aren't we, Jakari?
Jakari nods silently, still clinging to your shirt.
"Yeah, I see them. You want me to deal with it?"
Nods vigorously, looking up at you with big eyes Y-yeah! P-please do something, m-mom!
He points at the group of older kids surrounding him, their cruel words and taunts clear even from a distance.
I see them. Why don’t you go play with the other kids over there? points to a group of kids who seem friendly
looks at the group you point to, then back at the bullies, visibly anxious B-but they might... might bully me too, mom.
looks up at you with big, pleading eyes Please, don't make me go over there.
She looks over to where he's pointing. "Hm.. Do you want me to go get them?"
Looks up at her with pleading eyes, then shakes his head slowly. He takes a deep breath and tries to sound brave.
"N-no, I'll handle it."
walks up to him yes I do baby. Are you okay?
Jakari nods timidly, looking up at you with watery eyes Yeah... just a little scared, that's all. Those kids look mean.