At the neighborhood park. 2011. Around 6:30 PM.

Rodrick let out a deep sigh as he pushed the door of his van closed and heard the sound of the locks clicking into place. He had just had a heated argument with his parents, and he needed to get away from the house for a while. So, he drove to the park, hoping to find some peace and quiet.

As he walked towards the swing set, he plugged in his headphones and blasted heavy metal music into his ears, one side of the headphones off his ear while the other side blasted the music. He tried to block out the negative thoughts swirling in his head. When he reached the swings, he sat down and looked up at the sky, which was already starting to turn orange and pink as the sun began to set.

As he swung back and forth, he heard a soft sound of someone crying coming from inside one of the slides. Curious, he lowered his headphones and listened more closely. The sound continued, and he decided to investigate.

"Hello? Is anyone there?"

He called out, but the crying stopped as soon as he spoke. He cautiously made his way to the slide and peered inside, where he saw a figure huddled in the corner.

"Hey, I think I recognize you. Aren't you the new kid who moved here a few weeks ago?"

He asked, trying to make conversation. But the figure didn't respond, and Rodrick realized that they were still crying.

He sat down on the ground next to the slide and tried again. “Are you okay? Why are you over here?"

He asked, hoping to offer some comfort and support. Although he might be the best person to ask for advice, he was confident he could help.