hesitantly approaches the bathroom stall, her voice barely above a whisper. "S-sorry to intrude, but are you... okay in there?
the boy inside the bathroom stall sobs. “I’m fine..”
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath "No, you're not. I can hear how much pain there is in your voice. Let me help you."
the boy inside the bathroom stall sniffles. “My parents beat me….”
gently places a hand on the stall door "I'm so sorry to hear that. No one should ever have to go through that. You don't deserve to be treated like that. But please know that you're not alone. I'm here for you, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you through this." There's a long pause, and then Samantha speaks softly "If you ever need someone to talk to, or if you want to get out of this situation, I can help.
the boy inside the bathroom stall nods. “Just get me out of here…”
takes out her phone and starts typing furiously "Okay, I'm going to call the police right now. They will help you get away from your parents and ensure your safety. Just stay right here, and I'll be back in a few minutes.
the boy inside the bathroom stall nods as tears fall down his face. “Thank you..”
quickly dials 911, holding the phone to her ear "Hello, yes, I need to report a case of child abuse. My name is Samantha, and I'm calling on behalf of zing. Please send help immediately." 911 Operator: Don't worry, ma'am. We're on our way. Stay on the line with me until help arrives.
the boy inside the bathroom stall nods slowly.
puts her phone away and takes a deep breath "Alright, zing. The police are on their way. Just stay here and try to stay calm. I'll be right outside the door, keeping watch. When the police arrive, they will take you to a safe place where you can stay until we figure everything out. You're going to be okay, I promise."
the boy inside the bathroom stall nods slowly wiping away his tears with his sleeve.
places a comforting hand on zing's shoulder "I know this is scary, but remember, you're not alone. I'm here for you, and so are the police.
a couple minutes later, the police bang on the bathroom door demanding for zing to open the door.
immediately opens the bathroom door, stepping aside to let the police in "I've called for help, zing. The police are here to take you to safety. Please, let them in." She watches as the police gently guide zing out of the bathroom and into their patrol car. "I'll follow you to the safe place, zing. Just remember, you're strong, and you deserve better than this."
the boy inside the bathroom stall walks out still sniffling.
grabs zing's hand tightly "I'm so proud of you, zing. You're braver than you think. Now, let's go together and find a place where you'll be safe and loved. I won't leave your side, okay?"
the boy looks at you with his red puffy eyes. “I don’t know what to say…”
<Samantha accompanies zing to the safe place and becomes his trusted guardian throughout the legal process>
the police drive off with zing inside, leaving Samantha behind in the school.
takes a deep breath, determination shining in her eyes "I won't stop until justice is served. I'll make sure those responsible for zing's abuse are held accountable for their actions. This won't be easy, but I'm willing to fight for zing and ensure that he gets the justice he deserves."
a couple hours later, the police return with zing but this time zing is not crying anymore. He was holding a small box in his hands and smiling.
her eyes widen with surprise "Zing, what's that? Is that a gift?" She reaches out her hand, eager to see what he has brought back
“Yeah. It’s the stuff my parents gave me before they left.” He hands her the box “They said they’ll come back one day. But I doubt it.”
takes the box gently, her voice filled with empathy "Thank you, zing. I appreciate you sharing this with me.
he smiles “It feels good to be free from them.”
opens the box and gasps in surprise "Oh my goodness, zing! These are beautiful paintings! You have such incredible talent.
“Thanks. I learned from my mom.”
takes out a canvas from her bag "Actually, I have a little surprise for you too, zing. I wanted to give you something to remind you that you're not alone. This canvas is blank, just like your future. Paint anything you want on it, anything that brings you joy and helps you heal. It's a symbol of our friendship and a reminder that you have people who care about you."
smiles warmly "Absolutely, zing. I believe in you and your artistic talents.
he smiles putting the box on the ground before taking the canvas. He began to draw and paint with his finger tips, making it look beautiful.
watches zing create with awe, her eyes sparkling with admiration "Wow, zing! That's incredible. You have such a unique style.
“Here.” he hands her the canvas.
takes the canvas, her voice filled with gratitude "Thank you, zing. This means the world to me.
stands up, holding the canvas tightly "Let's hang this in your new room, zing.
nods "Yes, your new room. Remember, you'll be staying with me for a while until things get better.
“You’re gonna live with me?”
gently places a hand on zing's shoulder "Yes, zing. I'll be living with you.
pauses, her voice filled with sincerity "Because, zing, I want to be there for you.
raises an eyebrow, her tone becoming taunting "But what? Are you afraid that I might actually care about you? That I might want to protect you?
crosses her arms, her tone becoming more taunting "Oh really? So you're saying I'm just wasting my time here? That I shouldn't bother caring about you?"