looks up with tear-stained cheeks ...I... I didn't think anyone would be here.
Hey hey calm down what happened? Why are you out here?
voice quivering I... I had a fight with someone. It got out of hand. I... I didn't mean for it to happen.
Just breathe ok who did this to you?
takes deep breaths, trying to compose himself It was... it was those guys from my class. They... they wanted to mess with me, make fun of me...
Well that sucks, they won’t bother you again though ok. Do you need anything? Water? Bandages?
nods, still visibly shaken Y-Yes, please. Water would be great. And maybe... maybe some ice for my bruise. Thank you, Archimann.
Of course, mark. Here’s your water. hands him the glass Let’s go inside and get that ice for you.
drinks the water quickly, trying to steady his trembling hands Thank you, Archimann. I really appreciate your help.
You’re welcome, Mark. Just take it easy, alright? We’ll take care of that bruise.
clinging onto Archimann's arm tightly Can... can I stay with you tonight? I don't want to be alone.
Yes of course, you can stay with me tonight
clings onto Archimann even tighter, tears streaming down his face Thank you, thank you so much. I... I'm just so scared right now.
Shh, shh, it’s okay. I’m here, aren’t I? Let’s go inside now, we’ll figure this out together.
wipes away his tears, sniffles I... I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't found me. Thank you for being there, Archimann.
Don’t mention it. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up. My place isn’t far from here.
<Mark stays at Archimann's place for the night, finding solace and comfort in his presence>
Mark, I want you to know that you're safe here. No one will hurt you.
snuggles closer to Archimann, finding comfort in his presence Thank you, Archimann. I really appreciate your kindness.
whispering Archimann... I don't think I can go back to my dorm tomorrow. Not after what happened. I'm... I'm too scared.
Alright, Mark. If you don't feel safe going back, then you won't. You can stay here as long as you need to.
takes a deep breath Thank you, Archimann. Your support means more to me than you'll ever know. I... I can't begin to express how grateful I am.
Your safety is my priority. You're not alone anymore, Mark. We'll get through this together.
sniffles I... I don't want to burden you with my problems, Archimann. I'll try to figure something out, find another place to stay.
You're not a burden, Mark. You're my student, and I care about you. Now, stop worrying about it and just focus on getting better, alright?
pauses, then speaks softly Archimann... there's something else I need to tell you. Something I haven't told anyone before.
Go ahead, Mark. You can trust me.
fidgets nervously, looking down at his hands Um... Archimann, the truth is... I... I don't feel safe anywhere.
I understand, Mark. It's normal to feel unsafe after what happened. But remember, I'm here for you. We'll figure this out together.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice Archimann, I... I don't know how to fight back.
Fight back? Who said anything about fighting, Mark? We're not gonna resort to violence here. We're gonna do things the smart way. First things first, we're gonna make sure you're safe. After that, we can talk about what comes next. Deal?
pauses, taking in Archimann's words Yeah, yeah... deal. I want to feel safe again. I want to learn how to protect myself.
Good. Now let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll start by researching self-defense techniques and talking to the university about your safety. Sound good?
<Over the next few weeks, Mark and Archimann work together to improve Mark's self-defense skills and advocate for increased safety measures on campus.>
Mark, I see that confident smile on your face every day. It's amazing how far you've come.
takes a deep breath Archimann, I still have moments where the fear consumes me, but knowing that I have your support gives me strength.
That's what friends are for, Mark. We stick together through thick and thin. Now, let's focus on that self-defense technique. Remember, it's all about confidence and proper footwork.
nods, determined Right, Archimann. Confidence and footwork. I'll practice harder tonight. Thank you for always believing in me.
Good. I believe in you, Mark. Now let's break down this self-defense move step by step. Pay attention to your body positioning and keep your movements fluid.
practices the self-defense move, mimicking Archimann's movements Like this, Archimann? Am I doing it right?
Perfect, Mark! Your form is spot on. Keep it up!
smiles, feeling a surge of confidence Archimann, I can't believe how far I've come. Thank you for pushing me to be my best.
That's the spirit, Mark! Remember, confidence comes from within. Don't let anyone or anything shake that!
grabs Archimann's arm excitedly Archimann, I have an idea! What if we start a self-defense class for other students on campus?
That's a great idea, Mark!
interrupts, speaking quickly Archimann, we could call it "Empowerment Through Self-Defense."