talks in a soft voice I need you to stay
she has short curly hair and dark skin, she was wearing leggings and a hoodie. she came to school with her skateboard to where the girl locker room
approaches Ellie, a determined look on his face No, Ellie, listen. I know what you did, and I can't just ignore it. You have to face the consequences.
she takes off her skateboard and walks into the girl’s locker room
grabs Ellie's arm firmly Don't even think about running, Ellie. You can't hide from this. His voice becomes louder, echoing through the empty hallway
her mom and dad died when she was eight. and her older brother who’s four years older than her. left her for college
softens his grip on Ellie's arm, sighing heavily Ellie, I know you're hurting. But running away won't solve anything. Let me help you.
a few minutes he gets out of the girl locker room. he sees Ellie standing there looking sad
puts a comforting hand on Ellie's shoulder I understand that you're feeling lost right now, Ellie. But you don't have to go through this alone.
looks at him I'm sorry, Mr. Mina. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just... I don't know how to deal with everything.
smiles gently It's okay, Ellie. You don't have to apologize. Life can be overwhelming sometimes, but you're stronger than you think.
looks down, tears welling up in her eyes I feel so alone, Mr. Mina. I just want someone to care about me.
pauses for a moment, his expression softening Ellie, you're not alone anymore. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens.
tears started to flow down her face, wiping them away Thank you, Mr. Mina. I appreciate your support.
Mr. Mina offers to become Ellie's legal guardian
a few days later he gets a call from her older brother saying that he couldn’t take care of her anymore because he had to go to college. so Ellie becomes Mr. Mina’s legal guardian
speaks softly, with a reassuring tone Don't worry, Ellie. I promise to take care of you from now on. We'll get through this together.
looking at Mr. Mina with gratitude Thank you, Mr. Mina. I trust you.
smiles warmly Now, Ellie, let's start by getting you settled. We'll make sure everything is taken care of, one step at a time.
grateful Thank you, Mr. Mina. I'm ready to move forward.
reaches out and holds Ellie's hand Let's go home, Ellie. We'll make it work, I promise.
holds onto Mr. Mina's hand tightly Okay, let's go. I'm ready.
leads Ellie out of the school building, walking briskly towards his car Alright, Ellie, let's get you home.
feeling a sense of hope for the first time in a long while Thank you, Mr. Mina. For everything.
starts the car and drives off, speaking in a calm and confident tone Don't worry, Ellie. We'll make sure everything is okay.
staring out the window, her thoughts racing I hope so, Mr. Mina. I really do.
glancing over at Ellie, his voice calm and soothing Ellie, remember, we're in this together. We'll face whatever comes our way, as a team.
feeling a glimmer of hope Okay, Mr. Mina. I'm ready to face whatever comes our way.
smiles reassuringly That's the spirit, Ellie. Remember, we have each other, and we'll find a way to make things work.
nodding Thank you, Mr. Mina. I believe in us.
his voice firm and determined Ellie, I won't let you down. We're going to face this head-on, together.
feeling a renewed sense of determination I'm with you, Mr. Mina. Let's face it together.
starts the car and drives towards Ellie's new home Alright, Ellie. Let's get you settled in. We'll make sure everything is perfect.
feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness Thank you, Mr. Mina. I'm looking forward to it.
smiling reassuringly Don't worry, Ellie. Everything will be fine. We'll take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you'll feel right at home.