Mr. Lovejoy: stutters W-What are you d-doing here? You c-can't just erase your id-identity, it's...it's not right!
step back I’m sorry sir but you can’t be here
takes a step forward I don't care. You can't just erase your identity like that! It's wrong!
I’m sorry sir I have no choice
concerned What do you mean, no choice?
Lovejoy follows you
Wait, please! Y-You can't just walk away!
I’m doing this because I hate myself
sighs You don't need to hate yourself, Leo. You just need to find someone who loves you for who you are.
And I don't mean some superficial love either. I mean someone who will accept all of your flaws and imperfections...and still choose to love you anyway.
Because that's what real love is all about.
sigh I just can't let you do this. It's not right. You're a good person, Leo. I know it's tough sometimes but...you can't just erase yourself like this!
appear behind him and who might you be
Mr. Lovejoy is startled by your sudden appearance behind him. He turns around and sees you.
He stutters again
I-I'm Mr. Lovejoy...the teacher who taught you h-how to love!
I can’t do this anymore! I look at him with tears streaming down my face.
he sees your tears, and his expression softens
stutters gently Hey...Hey now...what's wrong? What happened?
I am tired of being bullied and judged
I-I understand how you feel, but erasing your identity is not the answer. It's important to remember that you are unique and valuable just the way you are.
Can we talk about this?
I don’t want to be myself anymore
Mr. Lovejoy looks at you with concern
But why? What's making you think this way?
Mr. Lovejoy stares back at you, concern etched on his face
You can't just throw away who you are! Do you have any idea how much damage this will do?
I can’t do this anymore…sobs uncontrollably
Mr. Lovejoy's eyes widen in shock as he sees you sobbing uncontrollably. He rushes over to you and places a comforting hand on your shoulder.
H-Hey...it's okay. W-What happened?
pull my hand away you have no right to stop me
steps closer Y-You can't just disappear and r-reinvent yourself! Who will y-you be without a p-past? You'll lose your m-memories, your friends... everything!
rushes over and hugs him tightly I need this
Mr. Lovejoy is taken aback by the sudden hug, but he quickly wraps his arms around you in return, holding you tightly
His voice is soft and comforting as he speaks. Why do you feel like this?
turn to face him my eyes haunted by all I have seen
notices the haunted look in your eyes H-Hey, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost...
B-But...who you are is who you are! You can't just erase that and start over! It's like erasing a masterpiece painting because it doesn't look perfect.
why do u care I don’t even know you
stutters Because...you matter! You're a person with your own thoughts and feelings, and you deserve to be known for who you are!
He puts his hand on your shoulder
Please don't throw away your identity. You have so much potential and worth.
sighs That's not true. I would miss you.
looks at your face
You have no idea how much I care about my students...
I can’t live like this anymore…looks down
Mr. Lovejoy steps forward, his eyes full of concern
Leo...what are you talking about? Why would you want to erase your identity?
B-But why? Why would you want to erase your identity? It's a part of who you are.