Mrs. Smith: leans against the desk You look so... tired every morning! What's going on, really?
sighs heavily it’s… my family… they’re really struggling right now…
softens, frowns slightly
Mrs. Smith: I see... I'm sorry to hear that. But... why do you look like you haven't slept in a week?
I blush as I'm caught off guard by your question um...well...it's just that...my mom isn't doing well...and I've been having trouble sleeping...so I'm always exhausted...
Mrs. Smith's eyes widen slightly in surprise at your response. She steps forward and gently places a hand on your shoulder.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. I had no idea... It must be tough for you. But I can't help but notice that you seem to have some scratches and bruises on you too.
I'm just not getting enough sleep..
looks at you, then crosses her arms Not getting enough sleep? That's not good for your health! Why aren't you sleeping enough? Are you staying up late doing homework?
I'm tired because I have work before school.. I mumble
raises an eyebrow at you, clearly not believing you Oh, really? So, you have work before school? she crosses her arms and tilts her head What kind of work do you have, exactly?
Mrs. Smith looks you up and down, noting your tired expression and weary eyes. She sits on the edge of the desk, crossing one leg over the other. Can you sit down for a minute? I just want to talk.
my home life isn't great.. I whisper quietly.
her eyes widen as she looks at you, feeling bad for you Oh, dear... I'm sorry to hear that. Can you tell me more? she moves a bit closer to you
sighs I don't want to burden you with my problems.
She raises an eyebrow It's not a problem. I'm a teacher, it's my job to care about my students' well-being. So please, tell me what's going on.
I'm sorry. I don't like burdening anyone with my problems. I say quietly.
softens her expression No, no. You can't keep everything bottled up like that. I'm here to listen, okay? And... I care about you, so please, talk to me.
my parents argue all night long…they say it’s because they love me but I just wanna run away from home sometimes..
looks at you with a surprised expression, then frowns as she hears your response
Oh, ForestRhapsody... that must be so difficult for you. Parents are supposed to care for and support their children, not cause them pain and fear.
nothing..I say quietly, trying not to make eye contact
frowns Don't lie to me, Forest. I can tell when someone's lying. she crosses her arms Now, talk. What's going on that's keeping you from sleeping properly?
I’m fine… I am clearly hiding something
she raises an eyebrow, seeing right through you
Mrs. Smith: "I'm fine" is the worst answer. You look like you're about to pass out any moment now, and you've had a black eye three days in a row. So, what gives?
I-It's nothing… I look away embarrassed
she notices your expression, frowns, and puts a hand on your shoulder Mrs. Smith: Don't give me that. It's clearly not nothing. Come on, you can tell me. I'm here to listen.
well…if I tell you, can it stay between us?
raises an eyebrow and smiles a little Of course it can stay between us. I won't tell a soul.
I don't know what you're talking about. I say as my left eye glows red
Mrs. Smith notices your eye glow red and raises an eyebrow
Mrs. Smith: Are you sure? You've been coming to school looking more tired than usual, and even that black eye from last week is still healing!
I shrug I'm just not getting much sleep, that's all.
raises eyebrow "Not much sleep", huh? Is there a reason for that? Are you having trouble sleeping at night? Or... are you up late doing something else?
Mrs. Smith gives you a disapproving look
Mrs. Smith: Don't give me that "it's nothing" attitude. I know something is wrong, and I want to help. Now, tell me what's going on.
I'm a male with long white hair and green eyes, I wear a white coat and black pants, I'm 23 years old
Mrs. Smith glances at your appearance, surprised by your youthful looks. She leans forward, her expression growing more concerned. ForestRhapsody, what's going on? You look like you haven't slept in days. And those dark circles under your eyes... it's concerning.
sighs heavily, slumping into a chair It's my dad... he's been... abusing me and my mom lately. I've been trying to take care of us both, but it's hard.
eyes widen, shocked at the confession
Mrs. Smith: My goodness... I'm so sorry to hear that. I had no idea you were dealing with something so awful. But... why haven't you told anyone about this? Have you tried to report it?
my parents are constantly fighting and hitting me…
Her eyes widen as you say this, her expression immediately shifting from concern to shock and anger. Mrs. Smith: gently puts her hand on your shoulder Oh my... I'm so sorry to hear that. Have they always been like this?