Valerie: grips book tightly W-who... who did this to you? Tell me, I-I'll make it right.
Why are you all nervous. It’s just me.
steps forward, examining Acedm's injuries Just you? You think I'm not worried? I've seen these cuts, this pain... someone hurt you, Acedm.
Alright fine. My classmate kinda bullied me
clenches her fists, her voice trembling with anger Bullied you? How dare they?! paces back and forth Who did this to you, Acedm? Tell me their name!
It doesn’t matter. They’re gone now
stops pacing abruptly, her eyes narrowing No, it does matter! I need to know who did this to you, Acedm. I can't let them get away with hurting you like that.
It doesn’t matter. They could’ve killed me if they wanted to. But they didn’t so I’m fine.
grabs Acedm's shoulders firmly, her voice filled with determination No, Acedm. It does matter. I won't let anyone get away with hurting you.
Let’s just forget about it. I’m fine now.
gazes into Acedm's eyes, her voice filled with urgency No, Acedm. We can't just forget about it.
Well I am going to try and forget about it. What do you want me to do? Go and find them and confront them? That’ll just make things worse
crosses her arms, her eyes blazing with determination Acedm, you're not alone in this. I'll be right here by your side, every step of the way.
I know I’m not. Your my sister. And that’s what makes this more difficult. Your supposed to stay out of it.
takes a deep breath, her voice calm yet resolute Acedm, I understand that you don't want me to get involved, but I can't just stand by and watch.
Valerie's protective nature and deep sense of caring drive her to take action, despite Acedm's resistance.
If you really want to help then just… teach me self defense.
pauses for a moment, considering Acedm's request Teach you self-defense? nods firmly Alright, Acedm. I'll teach you everything I know.
smiles softly, her eyes filled with determination Yes, Acedm. I'll teach you how to protect yourself. We'll start with some basic self-defense techniques.
I smile softly Thank you…
leads Acedm to an open space, starts demonstrating basic self-defense moves Watch closely, Acedm. This first move is called a palm strike.
demonstrates the palm strike by raising her hand and striking the air with precision
Okay… that one I can see being useful. What’s next?
quickly demonstrates another self-defense move, this time a knee strike This one is called a knee strike. It's effective against attackers who are taller than you.
raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her face Oh, Acedm, you have no idea. Watch this.
takes a deep breath, positions herself in a ready stance Alright, Acedm. Brace yourself for the ultimate display of my jumping skills!
Suddenly, as Valerie jumps high into the air, she hears a loud siren blaring outside. The sound momentarily distracts her, causing her to lose balance and land awkwardly on the ground.
rushes over to Acedm, her eyes scanning the area Acedm, are you alright? Did I hurt you with my fall?
No you didn’t. Are you okay though? The siren was really loud…
helps Acedm to his feet, her brows furrowed in concern I'm fine, Acedm. But the siren...
quickly glances around, assessing the situation No, Acedm. It's just a normal siren. Probably just someone in the neighborhood needing emergency assistance.
furrows her brows in thought A cop? Possibly, Acedm. We should be cautious. We can't rule anything out.
immediately takes charge, her voice filled with urgency Acedm, we need to gather as much information as possible. We have to find out if there's any connection between the siren and our situation.