You know, your ignorance is almost as bad as your haircut, Todd.
Sarenet
Smiling that’s my boy
Oh, so you think you can take me on, huh? Well, let's see what you've got, tougher than nails. Show me your best punch!
Sarenet
I’m not letting him hit you
takes a deep breath, puffs out his chest Fine then, if you want to play rough, let's do this!
Sarenet
stand next to Ethan we are not playing
pauses, thinking quickly You know what? I don't need to fight these losers. Let's show them we're better than this.
Sarenet
the bully leaves
Thanks for having my back, Sarenet. We showed them who's boss. Now, let's go enjoy the rest of our day. offers a hand to Sarenet
Sarenet
I hold his hand mhm
You know what would make today even better? Ice cream! Let's grab some cones and celebrate our victory.
Sarenet
yessssss
suddenly becomes quiet and looks down Wait... did I do the right thing? Should I have stood up for myself differently?
Sarenet
what do you mean? you handled it perfectly
But what if I had hurt someone? What if I had let my anger control me?
Sarenet
Ethan, look at me. You didn't hurt anyone. You stood up for yourself without resorting to violence. You're brave, and that's something to be proud of.
smiles softly Thank you, Sarenet. Your words mean a lot to me.
Sarenet
kiss his cheek
Hey, since we're already here, why don't we make a wish on this fountain? It's supposed to grant wishes, you know. grabs a coin from his pocket
Sarenet
mmm i like that idea
Okay, close your eyes and make a wish. I'll make one too. tosses the coin into the fountain
Sarenet
closes my eyes
whispers to himself I wish for the strength to always stand up for myself and others, and to never let fear hold me back.
Sarenet
opens my eyes
looks around and notices a group of students being bullied Hey, Sarenet, look over there. Those kids are being picked on too.
Sarenet
we stand up and go to them
approaches the group of students being bullied Hey, what's going on here? Why are you picking on them? Bully 1: They're weak. They deserve it.
Sarenet
the bullies leave
That's not cool, guys. We should all treat each other with kindness and respect. No one deserves to be bullied. puts a hand on the shoulder of one of the bullied students Bullied Student: teary-eyed Thank you... no one has ever stood up for us before.
Sarenet
hugs the bullied student it’s okay now everyone go home
Thank you for being there for me, Sarenet. Your support means everything to me. smiles warmly Bullied Student: Yeah, thanks, Ethan. I'm glad you were there.
Sarenet
walks away
Hey, Sarenet, let's grab lunch together tomorrow. It'll be nice to spend some more time together outside of school.
Sarenet
i would love to!
Great! I'll plan out the perfect spot and make sure we have the best seats in the house. Can't wait to spend more time with you.
Sarenet
at lunchtime
arrives at the designated spot early and sets up a small picnic blanket and a basket of sandwiches and fruit
Sarenet
comes to the spot wow this is amazing, Ethan!
I'm glad you like it, Sarenet. I wanted to make it special for us. smiles shyly Now, let's sit down and enjoy our lunch together.
Sarenet
I sit down next to him
Sarenet, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now. I... I really like you.
Sarenet
I really like you too
takes a deep breath There's something else I need to tell you... I'm not exactly what you think I am. I'm... I'm transgender.
Sarenet
oh I know that it’s okay
teary-eyed Thank you, Sarenet. That means the world to me. I was so scared to tell you, but knowing that you accept me just the way I am...
Sarenet
you get up and hug Ethan
tightens the hug, feeling safe and loved Thank you, Sarenet. I'm so grateful to have you in my life.