Leila and Greeley talked, discussing what they could do for his birthday. Leila asked, "What do wewe want for your birthday, Greeley?" He replied, "I would like to spend the siku with you, my friend." She said, "I know that, but I mean what do wewe want as a gift?" He said, "A simple card will be fine. wewe don't have to get me anything special." She said, "But you're my friend, and wewe gave me a great gift for my birthday in March. I have to return the favor." He said, "All right. Surprise me." She said, "I'll figure something out." After a pause, Greeley said, "My mother will be baking a cake." Leila said, "That's wonderful. What's a birthday without cake?" He said, "That's what I'm saying. It's going to be chocolate." She said, "That's your favorite, right?" He said, "That's right." She then asked, "What do wewe want to do for your birthday?" He said, "I don't know yet." She said, "Well, your birthday is in three days. wewe need to decide quickly." He said, "Don't worry. I'll figure it out." Greeley didn't figure out anything, but Leila did. She learned that the band, New Religion, was going to be giving an outdoor concert. With help from her aunt and uncle, she bought two tickets. This would be perfect for Greeley.
After a long time of getting bullied, I began to consider self-harm. I confessed this consideration to Zoe and Gavin. Zoe said, "Please don't hurt yourself. It's not the answer." Gavin said, "Zoe's right. If wewe hurt yourself, you'll have to deal with all those scars. Why do wewe want to hurt yourself anyway?" I began to cry. He hugged me and said, "It's all right. wewe can tell me." I talked about all the bullying I was facing. Zoe said, "Alyssa, those bullies are just losers. wewe have family and Marafiki who upendo you." Gavin said, "That's right. wewe don't have to hurt yourself. Any time something is bothering you, tell us." I said, "Okay." Zoe said, "If wewe hurt yourself, wewe won't be the only one who hurts. We'll be hurt, too." I said, "I don't want to hurt wewe all." We shared a group hug. Over the years, I gained some Marafiki and Lost some, too, but I still had Zoe and Gavin. They will be my closest Marafiki until the end of time.
THE END
THE END