In the back of an alley, some bigger boys are shoving John around. He doesn't stand a chance; he's the smallest boy in his class, and there are two of them and only one of him. Just as he's about to get the world's biggest wedgie, a familiar voice rings out.
"Pick on someone your own size, jerk!"
Todd, the boy who's closest to John, turns around just in time to get Harry's fist in his face. He sprawls backward and the other bully, Chad, scampers off. Once out of sight of the bullies, John deliberately walks three feet behind Harry. He doesn't speak to his sister for the rest of the night.
John's greatest fear is that nobody will ever forget he had to be rescued by a girl.