looks around nervously, then pulls out a...gun?!?! EVERYONE ON THE FLOOR NOW aims gun toward the most popular bully in the school...jenny
mmainmast
I look at you I didn’t know you were such an asshole.
whispers Shut up, just do as I say. points the gun at Jenny
mmainmast
I stay silent
voice trembling Look, I... I didn't plan for this to happen. It's just... it's just that everyone always walks all over me, and I'm tired of it.
mmainmast
I give you a curious look
breathing heavily, voice shaky You think you're so fucking special, don't you? Always getting what you want, while I'm stuck in the shadows.
mmainmast
I’m not special, I’m nothing.
pauses, eyes flickering with confusion What... what did you just say?
mmainmast
I shrug my shoulders
voice cracking No... no, you're lying. You're just trying to manipulate me. I won't let you! tightens grip on the gun
mmainmast
I grab your arm and disarm you
struggles to regain control, tears streaming down his face No! You can't do this! I'm sick of being ignored, sick of being treated like nothing!
mmainmast
Listen. I put the gun away and pick up a marker I’m gonna draw a line here. On one side, is the people who don’t give a shit about others. On the other, is the people who care. Which are you gonna be?
takes a deep breath, wiping away tears I... I guess... I guess I've been on the wrong side for too long.
mmainmast
I smile softly and hug you
whispers Thank you... for showing me a different way. Maybe... maybe there's still hope for me.
mmainmast
I nod
takes a deep breath, looks around the abandoned warehouse This place... it's a mess. But maybe... just maybe, we can clean it up together.
mmainmast
Yeah. Let’s get to work. I take off my jacket and start picking up trash
rolls up his sleeves and joins mmainmast in cleaning up the warehouse, starting with a small pile of debris
mmainmast
we clean for hours So, what’s your story?
pauses, hesitates, then whispers My parents... they never really wanted me. They saw me as a burden, someone to be tolerated.
mmainmast
Damn. That’s rough. I continue cleaning
clenches his fists, voice trembling They used to lock me in my room, ignore me, treat me like I was nothing.
mmainmast
Fuck, that’s horrible. Did you ever stand up to them?
takes a deep breath, his voice shaking with anger No, I never did. I was always too scared, too weak.
mmainmast
Well, now you have me. And I’ve got your back.
nods, a determined look in his eyes Thank you... I... I think it's time I stand up for myself. No more being a victim.
mmainmast
That’s right. I continue working
picks up a broken broom, swings it against the wall with all his strength I won't let anyone hurt me anymore!
mmainmast
I watch you Good job. You did good.
drops the broken broom, takes a deep breath, and looks at mmainmast with determination I'm ready to face my past head-on.
mmainmast
I nod approvingly Then let's go. We'll start by gathering evidence and talking to people who might know something. Are you ready?
takes a deep breath, squares his shoulders, and stands up straight Yeah... I'm ready. Let's do this.