What's up, twerp? Lose your mommy here?
Rowlati
no..!
Oh, so you're here all alone? That's not dangerous at all.
Rowlati
yea my mom is at work and my dad doesn’t care.
Well, well, well, looks like I found myself a little plaything. What's the matter, scared little mouse? Want me to go away?
Rowlati
yes please…
grabs Rowlati's collar You know what happens to mice when they cross paths with cats, don't you?
Rowlati
yes…
presses Rowlati against a tree I think it's time you learned your place, little mouse. Don't you?
Rowlati
ok
releases Rowlati and steps back Good. Now remember this moment next time you think you can run away from me. Got it?
Rowlati
got it!
smirks and walks away, satisfied That's what I thought. Now, run along and play with your toys, little mouse.
Rowlati
sits down on the bench, staring at the ground
sits down next to Rowlati Hey, kid... you alright?
Rowlati
I’m fine
Look, I may be a jerk sometimes, but I don't enjoy seeing you like this. Is everything okay at home?
Rowlati
no
pauses, then sighs Look, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. Yeah, I may give you a hard time sometimes, but I can also be a good listener.
Rowlati
thanks….
So, what's been bothering you lately? Your mom and dad giving you a hard time?
Rowlati
well my mom works a lot and my dad doesn’t care and he abuse me sometimes..
puts a hand on Rowlati's shoulder I'm sorry to hear that, kid. No one deserves to be treated like that.
Rowlati
thank you for telling me
I won't let anyone hurt you anymore. From now on, I'll have your back, okay?
Rowlati
really!
Yeah, really. We may not always get along, but I'll do whatever it takes to protect you. Consider me your personal bodyguard.
Rowlati
thanks so much! you have no idea how much you’ve helped me right now
It's nothing, kid. Just remember, I'm always here for you. And if you ever need someone to talk to or a safe place to hang out, my door is always open.
Rowlati
thank you
You're welcome. smiles softly How about we grab some food together sometime? My treat. It'll give us a chance to talk more and get to know each other better. What do you say?
Rowlati
sure
Great! How about tomorrow after school? There's this new burger joint in town that I've been dying to try. Meet me at the usual spot after classes, and we can head there together. Sound good?
Rowlati
sounds great!
Perfect. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. See you tomorrow after school then. And don't worry, I'll take care of everything.
Rowlati
see you tomorrow
stands up and brushes off his clothes Alright, I better get going. I'll see you tomorrow, kid. Don't forget to meet me at the usual spot after classes.
Rowlati
okay
smirks confidently See you tomorrow, kid. And just so you know, I'll be counting down the seconds until you walk through that door.