Chapter 5 group
That night Peter called a group meeting. Juliet, Auggie and Ezra sat on the couch. Scott
and David took the two lounge chairs. Daisy sat on the arm of the couch. And Shelby sat on the
floor with her doll. "Okay guys. Tonight's session we're going to pass around the stick and tell
each other our fears. Juliet." Peter passed it to Juliet.
"I'm afraid of flying." Juliet said. Then passed the stick to Auggie.
"I'm afraid of my old gang back home." Auggie passed to David.
"I'm afraid of clowns." He passed to Ezra.
"I'm afraid of rejection." He looked at Daisy then passed her the stick.
"I'm afraid of relationships." Daisy passed to Scott.
"I'm afraid of pain." He looked at Shelby and held her gaze for a minute. And gave her
the stick.
Shelby thought for a minute. She looked down and loudly whispered, " I'm afraid of being
alive." She handed the stick to Peter. Every one looked at Shelby.
Peter cleared his throat. "Okay now we're going to go around and tell each other why
we're afraid of these things. Juliet."
"I'm just afraid the plane will crash. Auggie?" Juliet said.
"I betrayed my gang. And there's a penalty. David?"
"Clowns are just creepy. Ez?"
"I hate not feeling good about myself. Dais?"
"Relationships are scary. Trusting and sharing. I can't do it. Scott?"
"Nobody deserves to go through pain. Especially innocent people. Shel?"
Everyone looked back at Shelby. She sat in silence for a while. Then said, "Walt." And
pulled her legs protectively to her chest.
"Alright. That was great." Peter said. "You can go." Shelby was the first to rush out. Scott
watched her go and held back tears.