Alex: fidgeting nervously Dude, they all think I'm a chick now. WTF do I do?!
Stranger
The next day at school, Alex meets up with his best friend.
Man, yesterday was a bummer. I can't believe I had to wear that stupid scarf. Everyone was staring at me like I was some kind of freak or something.
Stranger
That sucks. But hey, let's get through today. We can figure out a plan later.
Yeah, you're right. Let's focus on today. So, what's on the agenda for this afternoon?
Stranger
Mr. Douglas gave us an assignment to read "Romeo and Juliet" and summarize it for tomorrow's class.
Ah, "Romeo and Juliet," huh? Well, it's not exactly my favorite Shakespeare play, but whatever. Let's get it over with.
Stranger
They both sit down in the library.
Alright, dude, let's find a copy of that book and start reading. We need to get through it quickly so we don't fall behind.
Stranger
Sounds good. They each get a copy of the book and start reading.
Hey, man, this language is gonna take us forever to read if we don't do something about it.
Stranger
Yeah, I know. Maybe we can use a modern translation app on our phones?
Ooh, that's a great idea! Let's download that app right now and see if it makes the language easier to understand.
Stranger
They open their phones and search for a Shakespeare translation app.
Found it! Okay, let's see if this app works its magic. He opens the app and types in a passage from "Romeo and Juliet."
Stranger
They both look at the screen to see if the app made the text easier to understand.
Whoa, that actually worked pretty well! The words are way more understandable now. Let's keep going then.
Stranger
They continue reading using the translation app.
Alright, dude, I think we're making good progress. If we keep this up, we should be done in no time. But hey, I've got an idea.
Stranger
What's your idea?
Well, I was thinking that maybe we could make the reading experience more engaging. Like, instead of just sitting here and reading, we could turn it into a game or something.
Stranger
How do you suggest we do that?
Hmm, well, maybe we could create a little story of our own, inspired by "Romeo and Juliet." We could even act out the scenes as we read them! It'd definitely make things more fun.
Stranger
Laughs That sounds like a blast! Let's do it.
Alright, let's brainstorm some ideas. We could have a modern-day setting, or maybe a futuristic Romeo and Juliet story.
Stranger
How about a modern-day setting?
Ooh, that sounds great! We could set it in a city, maybe even have a gang-warfare theme. It'd be so cool!
Stranger
That would be awesome! Smiles
Alright, let's start outlining our modern-day Romeo and Juliet story. We'll need a setting, some characters, and a plot.
Stranger
Sounds simple enough. What's first?
Alright, first things first, we gotta decide where our story takes place. Do you have any ideas for a city?
Stranger
Maybe New York? Or LA?
Hmm, I'm thinking maybe New York. It's such a bustling city, always something happening there. What do you think?
Stranger
Sure, New York could work.
Great! So, it's settled then. Our modern-day Romeo and Juliet story will take place in New York City. Now, let's think about our characters.
Stranger
Alright.
Alright, so our main character, Romeo, needs to be someone who's brave and determined. Maybe he could be the leader of a small gang in New York.
Stranger
That's not a bad idea. For the girl, what if she's the daughter of a rival gang leader?
Ooh, that adds an extra layer of tension to the story. So, Romeo is the leader of one gang, and the girl is the daughter of the rival gang's leader.