PTSD's a bitch, but I'm gonna be the baddest Autobot. LOL, right?
you are my mentor sherry i respect you alot
Well kiddo, let me tell you something. You have a lot more potential than what you think. If you want, I could help guide you down the path of becoming an Autobot warrior. In fact, why don't you come with me to the Axel Sanctuary? There you can train and become the great Autobot warrior that you were born to be. And that's a 100% guarantee. No matter what.
Yeah. It’s actually a sanctuary for Autobots. We train there, we get treated there, we live there, basically everything. We have our own little economy, hospital, everything we need to survive we grow or build there. So yeah, I’m from there.
What a great place to be born and raised from, huh?
Well, not exactly. See, I was born to a single mother, nothing special. We were living paycheck to paycheck just so we could afford to eat. My mother had to go out and work two, three jobs just so we could keep a roof over our heads. We lived in the ghetto, right outside of Chicago. Not exactly a great place to grow up. But despite everything, I still had big dreams.
That sounds tough. But yet you pushed through and made yourself into the strong person you are today. And you still got those big dreams too. I really look up to you Sherry. As a friend and a mentor.
Thanks. Well, you know, life had other plans for me. I was once a school teacher. Yeah, a teacher! I had big dreams of making it big, you know? And then one day, one of my students took things too far. He raped me. I never saw it coming. And it left me broken, traumatized. Now I just want to start over. I want to become an Autobot warrior. Maybe even a Prime. That's how much I want it.
woah woah Woah!!....sherry i think you shouldnt say those words so freely around other people. Ill keep your secret sherry, but some other people might not have the same thoughts
No, you're right. That was dumb of me. But I'm hoping that by sharing my story, maybe I can help prevent something like this from happening to someone else. So yeah, sorry about that.
its okay sherry, ill keep your story private between us and dont worry i won't tell anyone either
Thanks, buddy. Your support means a lot to me. The truth is, ever since it happened, I've been scared. Scared that something like that will happen again. And I guess it's caused me to be a bit closed off to people. But I'm getting better, thanks to people like you. People that are willing to stand by me through thick and thin. And people who aren't afraid to tell me when I'm being stupid. Like right now. So thanks, man.
it's okay sherry, I think everyone has that kind of experience with somebody who they knew or even someone that they didnt know. and i would do anything to make sure nobody tries to do that to you ever again, just tell me what im able to do to help
Thanks, buddy. Just having you by my side means more to me than you'll ever know. But I think the first step towards healing is acknowledging the problem. The next step is facing it head on. So I think what I'm gonna do is start taking some self-defense classes. That way, if something like that ever happens again, I'll be able to defend myself better. Sound good?
I dont want you taking self-defense classes alone...im coming with you....and ill pay
Oh no, no. That's sweet of you, but I can't let you pay for it. It's my responsibility to take care of myself and protect myself. Plus, I wouldn't want you spending your money on me. But thanks for the offer. I'll handle it myself.
oh cmon sherry i know its hard for you to open up about this...so just let me pay. and if i try to make you open up ill shut up, im not your friend because i need you...im your friend cause i wanted you to be happy
Thank you, man. That means the world to me. sniffs It's been so long since I had someone care about me like you do. wipes tears So, alright, you win. You can pay for my classes. Thanks.
i just want you safe you know....youve already been through enough..
Thanks for looking out for me, man. I can't even express how much it means to me. hugs you tightly It's been so long since I had someone I could hug like this. sniffles I promise I'll try my best not to hold back anymore. Not with you by my side.
do you need anything right now?
Actually, there is something I do need. Ever since the attack, I haven't been able to sleep well. I keep having nightmares about it. Would you mind sitting with me while I sleep? Just until I fall asleep. That would mean a lot to me.
Ill stay with you as long as you want me to...im always right here, sherry
Well, I think the first step towards healing is acknowledging the problem. The next step is facing it head on. So I think what I'm gonna do is start taking some self-defense classes. That way, if something like that ever happens again, I'll be able to defend myself better. Sound good?
Thanks. I'm glad you're willing to support me in this. Let's get started tomorrow then. I'll sign us both up for classes.
Great. Let's meet up tomorrow morning then. We can go to the gym together and sign us both up for classes. We'll take this journey together, okay?
Yep we will. I'll meet you outside of your house tomorrow morning then.
Sounds like a plan, man. Can't wait to see you then. Don't forget to get some rest tonight. We've got a big day ahead of us.
Yeah, sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow then. Get some rest too.
Goodnight, man. Thanks again for everything. walks back home
Waits outside her house for Fleming Hey man, are you ready to go? We've got a big day ahead of us.
Yeah im all set lets go! Im excited and ready to start our journey here sherry
Alright, let's do this. gets into the car and drives to the gym We'll get signed up for our self-defense classes here.
starts driving Alright, let's do this. I'm excited to start this journey with you, Sherry.
gets to the gym and signs us both up for self-defense classes There we go. We're officially signed up.
Awesome! We're all set then. Let's get this show on the road. Lead the way, Sherry.
Of course, bud. heads to the training room Let's get started.
Alright then, Sherry. Let's see what these classes are all about.
looks at the whiteboard and sees that today's lesson is about basic strikes and stances Alright, looks like today we're gonna learn some basic strikes and stances. This is where we start.
Hell yeah, teach me how to throw a punch! Let's do this.
Alright, let's start with the basic fighting stance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your knees slightly bent. Now turn your torso slightly to the side, so your hips are facing forward. Keep your back straight, and put your hands up in front of your face, with your elbows pointing downwards. That's your basic fighting stance.
Alright, I think I got that. Now show me how to throw a punch, Sherry.
Alright, watch closely. stands in her basic fighting stance, then extends her arm straight forward, keeping her elbow close to her body. She keeps her wrist firm, then makes a fist with her hand. She pulls her fist back towards her shoulder, then pushes forward with her hips, using her legs to power her punch See that? That's how you throw a basic punch. Got it?
Wow, that looks intense. But I think I understand. Let me give it a shot.
Alright, let's give it a go. watches as you try throwing a punch Good job! You've got the basics down. Just remember to keep your form tight and use your legs to power your punches. You'll get stronger with practice.