On a sunny Saturday morning, the day began with the usual routines. As the class filed into the cafeteria for breakfast, Katie found herself sitting alone, lost in her own thoughts. However, her solitude was soon interrupted by the arrival of Brittany, who approached her with a friendly greeting.

"Hi Katie," Brittany said, warm and inviting, hoping to bridge the gap between them.

The mere sight of Brittany triggered a wave of resentment in Katie, as memories of the older girl's cruelty washed over her. Determined to protect herself, she lashed out, making her dislike clear, and even threatened her with violence. Katie's words were sharp and filled with raw emotion, fueled by the pain she had endured.

Yet, despite Katie's vehement rejection, Brittany's response revealed a surprising sincerity. Attempting to convey empathy, she acknowledged that Katie didn't deserve the mistreatment she had experienced. However, Katie's walls remained intact, unwilling to believe that Brittany could truly care.

Recognizing the futility of her efforts, Brittany reluctantly retreated, accepting Katie's demand for solitude. Sensing the tension, Tyler, one of Katie's closest friends, approached and took a seat beside her. He couldn't help but point out Brittany's unexpected act of kindness.

"Wow, she was actually being nice," Tyler marveled, whispering his observation.

Unconvinced by what she perceived as manipulation, Katie remained cautious. Her mistrust created a barrier between her and the possibility of genuine kindness. Tyler, however, refused to let her suffer in her mistrust, his unwavering loyalty shining through.

"Do you think you can enjoy the museum trip today?" Tyler asked, trying to bring a glimmer of optimism to Katie's resolve.

With a mixture of skepticism and determination, Katie replied, promising to give it her best effort. Tyler reassured her, expressing his belief that everything would eventually be alright. Katie clung to his words, her hope mingling with uncertainty in her heart.

"I sure hope so," Katie murmured softly, taking a bite of a juicy grape, symbolizing her tentative willingness to open herself up to the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.

"Today is going to be epic," Miss Collins proclaimed with excitement. Tyler eagerly nodded in agreement, adding, "I just hope the traffic isn't as dreadful as it usually is."

Katie, sipping her apple juice, chimed in, "Fingers crossed!"

As they boarded the bus, a slight improvement in traffic was apparent, although it still moved sluggishly. Restless students expressed their impatience with groans, their eyes fixed on the endless stream of cars, trucks, and motorcycles inching ahead.

James, attempting to distract his friend Carlos, suggested, "Hey, how about we watch some awe-inspiring hockey videos?" He noticed Carlos remained silent, not even glancing in his direction.

"Will you be like this all day?" James questioned, his taller frame leaning in. "Are you still upset about last night? It didn't involve you at all. Why do you care so much?"

Carlos sighed heavily, frustration evident on his face. He struggled to control his voice, his hand pressed against his temple as he rocked back and forth. Finally, he burst out, "Because she is our princesĂ !"

"Is everything satisfactory in the rear, Miss Collins inquires," inquires Miss Collins.

"Yes, madam. I have it under control," Logan assures.

"I cannot, I cannot!" Carlos exclaims, succumbing to hyperventilation.

"Very well, listen attentively. Close your eyes and envision a place of utmost joy. Reflect upon your most cherished memory. What do you perceive?" Logan advises.

"I envision my Papì and myself, accompanied by a conversing corndog, engaging in a spirited game of hockey with kittens atop a resplendent rainbow," Carlos shares.

Pauses for a moment, attempting to comprehend Carlos' peculiar imagination. "Remarkable, indeed. Now, clear your thoughts and take a deep breath. Count to ten and exhale. Do you feel improved?" Logan inquires.

"Yes, indeed," Carlos affirms.

"Excellent," Logan acknowledges.

"Thank you, Logan. How did you manage such a feat? I feel utterly rejuvenated. All traces of anger have dissipated," Carlos expresses.

"I have been diligently pursuing an online course entitled Psychology 101," Logan proudly discloses.

"What prompted your interest in undertaking such a course? Was it the challenge?" Camille inquires.

"Oh, absolutely! I find myself in dire need of it, you see, as I reside with these three delightful goofballs and a rather emotionally charged ten-year-old girl who is on the cusp of puberty. It's quite the adventure, I must say, and I feel the need to be well-prepared for any situation that may arise," Logan shares.

"I can only imagine how stressful it must be to live with them," Camille sympathizes.

"Well, I won't deny that it can be a bit overwhelming at times," Logan admits with a friendly tone.

"We inflict stress upon your existence, Logan? My apologies, I had no inkling. I deeply regret it," Carlos utters with remorse, retreating to a vacant seat at the rear of the bus.

Sinking into his hands, Logan releases a heavy sigh, devoid of any solution or response.

"I shall converse with him," Camille offers as she positions herself across from Carlos. "Carlos, it's not your fault. It's my doing; I shouldn't have posed that question."

"Why did you inquire then?" Carlos asks, surprisingly unangered by her actions.

"I cannot fathom, it simply slipped out," Camille says, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Do you genuinely believe I am the source of his stress? Please, be candid," Carlos implores.

"Oh, your ceaseless energy can occasionally cause him a headache," Camille confesses.

"Truly? I was not aware I upset him to that extent. I never realized I was so bothersome," Carlos utters with a tinge of sadness.

"To him, you are not bothersome," Camille interjects.

"You practically stated the opposite. Goodness, I must be an abysmal friend," Carlos laments.

"Contrary to what you believe, you hold an irreplaceable place in his heart," Camille murmurs, her voice laced with sincerity. "He can't help but gush about you during our enchanting evenings together, recounting the countless acts of kindness and compassion that defined your friendship in the past. And oh, his admiration for your protective nature knows no bounds."

Carlos, overcome with surprise, furrows his brow and questions, "He talks about me?"

Camille nods, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, he speaks of you with greater fervor than Kendall and James combined."

A flicker of realization dances across Carlos' gaze. "Ah, that explains it. Kendall and James, well, their treatment of him back in the day never quite measured up. Even now, they continue to disregard him whenever numbers and formulas taint their conversations. Yet, I strive to comprehend him, even within my disdain for mathematics. I hold his passion in the utmost respect, striving to excel in every math exam, yearning for the day he might derive pride from my achievements."

Leaning in closer, Camille reveals another secret. "He confided in me about your struggles with Algebra back in middle school."

Carlos nods, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "Yes, those were challenging times indeed."

"Must've been really hard for you. Like migraine causing." Camille says.

"One time I just gave up and tossed my notebook off my desk. I felt like crying. I just couldn't understand no matter how many questions I asked the teacher. And luckily he didn't get mad at me for tossing my notebook. He told me to take a break and sit down in the hallway. Logan sat with me cuz he knew my brain was fried. He missed out on his favorite school subject just to comfort me. That's a true friend. I don't know what I would've done if he wasn't so understanding and thoughtful. I can't imagine my life without him. And when we first met I just wondered why doesn't this awesome kid have any friends yet? Everyone always wants the coolest and popular kids as a friend but not me. I don't care if a kid is rich, has famous parents or is allowed to have parties at their house. That doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is if a kid is kind, funny, caring, thoughtful, smart. Logan is all those things. Kids in elementary school used to call him a wizard cuz he was so smart. He thought it was a compliment until people started leaving mean notes on his desk saying he would die if he were enrolled at Hogwarts. Or that Merlin would let a dragon eat him if he was his apprentice." Carlos says.

"Isn't it astonishing how heartless children can be?" Camille marvels.

"It's absolutely true. After he carried those distressing notes home, his mother took a firm stand, vowing not to send him back to that dreadful school until the principal and parents of those heartless kids could apologize and ensure that appropriate measures were taken," Carlos narrates.

"May I inquire in what grade all this took place?" Camille inquires.

"None other than the treacherous 5th grade," Carlos reveals.

"My goodness, right when the tumultuous tides of puberty begin to stir," Camille sympathizes.

"Indeed, that explains the absolute madness that consumed everyone," Carlos concludes.