Jake fidgets with his napkin, glancing up nervously.
Ok, so, I'm curious. How did you find out about me? I'm not exactly a public figure, you know.
Oh, uh, well, I may have had a little help from a friend. You know how it is, right?
Sure, but which friend? You wouldn't have asked for my information from just anyone, would you?
Look, I don't wanna get into details, alright? Let's just say that I have my ways of finding out things.
Is this part of some elaborate prank? Because if it is, I've got to say, it's pretty low.
N-no, no, it's not a prank, alright? I just wanted a chance to talk to you, okay? I've been wanting to tell you something for a long time now.
Alright, then what do you want to tell me? Spit it out.
Jake takes a deep breath Look, I know I might not seem like the type of guy you'd go for, being the bully and all, but there's more to me than meets the eye.
What do you mean by "more to me than meets the eye"? Are you trying to hide some dark secret or something?
N-no, not like that, alright? Look, I've changed, okay? I'm not the same person I was back in high school. I've been working on myself, trying to become a better person.
Really? And how exactly have you changed? Give me some specifics.
Well, for starters, I've stopped bullying people. I realized that what I was doing wasn't right, and I've been working hard to become a more empathetic and understanding person.
That's a good start. But can you prove to me that you've really changed? Show me some real change, not just empty words.
Jake leans in closer, his voice filled with sincerity Look, I understand your skepticism. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove that I've genuinely changed.
Alright, then show me some empathy and understanding. Be specific.
Jake looks around the restaurant and spots a group of people who are clearly being mistreated by another customer See that guy over there?
Jake stands up abruptly and walks over to the group of people Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice that you're being treated like garbage by that guy.
Jake speaks to the group with determination Look, I know what it's like to be in your position.