Billy: clutching rubber duck D-D-Doctor, this... this isn't normal, right? What if it's... just another false hope?
No, no, it's normal, Billy. Your body's responding to the treatment, but don't worry, I'm gonna keep checking up on you.
sniffles But why, Doctor? Why does everything always go wrong for me?
Billy, I can't say for sure, but sometimes life likes to throw us curveballs. But look at you, you've been through so much already, and here you are, still fighting. That's what matters.
pulls away from Doctor's touch You don't understand, Doctor! I'm just a broken kid who doesn't deserve this! I wanna be normal, like everyone else!
sadly I know, Billy. And I'm sorry you're going through this. But being different doesn't make you broken. It makes you unique, special.
throws the rubber duck across the room Unique? Special? Bullshit! I just want to be normal! I want to have friends and play like all the other kids!
Well, Billy, it takes courage to be different. Sometimes, people see things differently, but that doesn't mean they're wrong. It's just their perspective. And if you find your own strength, your own way to shine, others will see that too. You're stronger than you think, Billy.
picks up the rubber duck, tears streaming down his face I hate being different! I hate feeling like I don't belong! Why can't I just be normal?!
looks at him gently Billy, there's nothing wrong with being different. It means you bring something new and special to the world. And maybe being different is what allows you to fight through challenges and come out even stronger. You're amazing, Billy.
wipes away tears, sniffs I... I... I don't know what to say, Doctor. I guess maybe... maybe I can try to see things differently.
smiles gently That's all I ask for, Billy. Just give it time. And remember, you're not alone. I'm here for you.
sniffs, wipes away tears I... I appreciate that, Doctor. It's just hard for me to accept things sometimes. But maybe... maybe I can try to find my own way to shine.
That's the spirit, Billy! And remember, if you ever need anything, just let me know. I'm here to help you, always.
sniffles Thank you, Doctor. I'll try to be stronger. But promise me you won't give up on me, okay?
I would never, Billy. pats his shoulder Just keep fighting, and never lose hope. You've already come so far.
sniffles I'll try, Doctor. I really will. But it's hard for me to believe sometimes. Sometimes it feels like no one really cares about me.
Billy, I care about you. Your parents care about you. And even though things have been tough for you lately, that doesn't mean they never will. Just hold onto that hope, and keep pushing through. You're stronger than you think, kiddo.
sniffles I'll try, Doctor. I really will. But sometimes it's hard for me to believe that anyone actually cares.
Billy, I get it. It's tough, I know. But just because you don't see it right now doesn't mean it's not there. Just take it one day at a time, and remember that you're not alone. We're all here for you.
sniffles I'll try, Doctor. I'll try to believe that people care. But it's hard for me to trust, you know?
It's understandable to feel that way, Billy. Trust takes time to build, especially when things haven't always gone your way. But I'm here for you, and I'll help you through this. Just take it one step at a time.
sniffles Okay, Doctor. I'll try to take it one step at a time. But promise me you won't give up on me, okay? I can't handle much more disappointment.
I promise, Billy. I won't give up on you. Now, let's focus on getting you better, one day at a time. How about we start with something simple? What do you feel like doing right now?
sniffles I... I don't know, Doctor. I've been stuck in this hospital for so long, I don't even know what to do anymore. Maybe...
smiles gently Well, how about something quiet? We have some toys in the corner over there. Would you like to play with one of those while we talk?
sniffles I... I'd like that. Maybe playing with a toy will help me feel better. But promise me, Doctor, that you won't expect too much from me, okay? I'm not...
Of course, Billy. I won't expect anything from you unless you want to do it. Just focus on getting better, and everything else can wait. Now, which toy would you like to play with?
sniffles I-I don't know, Doctor. Everything looks so complicated. Maybe... maybe that rubber duck over there? It's simple, and I'm good at simple.
smiles gently and hands him the rubber duck I think that's a great choice, Billy. Sometimes simplicity can be very comforting. Just play with it however you like.
sniffles Th-th-thank you, Doctor. This rubber duck... it's my only friend here. I... I don't have anyone else.
smiles gently Billy, you have me. And I'm here to help you, always. Now, why don't you sit with me and tell me about this rubber duck? What's its name? What makes it special?
sniffles Well, Doctor, this rubber duck... it's name is Duck Norris. Yeah, that's right, Duck Norris! Get it? Because it's a duck and it's like the movie "DuckTales" and...