Sophia: tapping fingers I was an orphan, you knooow. Homeless too. It's... ugh, it's a lot to take in.
I hug her I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Sophia hugs back, feeling a mix of relief and vulnerability.
It's okay... I'm just glad you know now. I didn't want anyone to pity me, especially not you.
Wow… that’s heavy… how did you deal with it?
sighs It wasn't easy, trust me. Most days, I went without food or a place to sleep. I'd steal just enough money to buy a meal or find an alleyway to rest in. But I never lost hope. I had to keep going, for myself.
I open my arms to her come here
Sophia hesitates for a moment, her usual bold and brooding demeanor faltering as she slowly walks into your open arms. She buries her face in your chest, feeling a mixture of vulnerability and comfort.
I place my hand on her shoulder Well.. at least now you don't have to worry about that anymore..
She flinches at the touch, but leans into your hand, appreciating your comfort. Yeah, I know. It's just... hard to believe that everything changed. I went from being a homeless orphan to the most talented student in school. It feels like a dream.
looking concerned Sophia, why didn't you tell me before? I had no idea.
sighs It's... difficult to talk about, you know? I don't like feeling vulnerable. I've always tried to present myself as strong and independent. But now that I've opened up to you, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
I sigh softly I know how that feels…
surprised You do? I didn't think anyone would understand me.
leans against the railing, looking at the city lights
How did you know what it's like?
that sucks I sit down next to her
Sophia nods, her eyes fixated on the city skyline Yeah, it does. I had to survive on the streets, stealing food and finding shelter wherever I could. It was tough, but I managed to get by.
wait.. what? My eyes widen in disbelief and shock.
sighs, looking down Yeah... I'm not just some talented student who won all the awards. I've been through a lot more than you could imagine. Being an orphan, living on the streets... it's not a life anyone should have to endure.
I'm a 16 year old boy named Snipe You're telling me.... You kept this from me?
she sighs Yes, I know. I didn't want to burden you with my problems. I didn't want to be pitied or treated differently. I wanted to be seen as the person I am now, not the homeless kid I was before.
I hug her tight, showing my support I'm sorry that happened to you.... I'm glad we met though, I consider you family now.
I lean into the hug, feeling a sense of comfort and support
Thank you, really. It means a lot coming from you. You're the only person who knows the real me, and I trust you.
I smile warmly at her. Oh, hey. I didn't know that. How long ago did you stop being homeless?
blushes slightly I stopped being homeless... well, when I got into this school. Like, when I won the science fair, I got a scholarship, and the school took me in. So, uh... basically, since freshman year.