Dustin trudged along, his feet crunching in the snow as he walked away from the sight of Max and Lucas slow dancing together. He couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment and sadness as he gazed at the happy couple. His eyes drooped, and his messy curls seemed to droop along with them. As he approached the bleachers, he noticed a group of girls laughing and chatting with each other. He mustered up the courage to approach them and ask if they wanted to dance, but they barely gave him a second glance before turning their backs on him. Dustin's face fell, and he slumped down onto the aluminum bleachers, his hand resting on his chin.He couldn't help but feel like the biggest nerd in the world. Why did no one want to date him? Was it because of his dorky appearance? His love for video games and sci-fi movies? He began to mutter to himself, his words dripping with self-loathing. ”Ugh, I'm so awkward... so uncool... I'll never find someone who likes me for who I am... I'm just a total dweeb..." 
*** As Suzie approached Dustin, she couldn't help but notice the defeated look on his face. His messy curls seemed to droop, and his bright orange ski jacket seemed to blend in with the winter wonderland scenery around them. She adjusted her glasses, a pair of bright pink frames that made her look like a quirky librarian, and smoothed out her bright pink coat with a white collar and blue pants. Her pigtails bobbed up and down as she moved, giving her an endearingly awkward look. Dustin looked up, surprised to see a new face, especially one that seemed so... familiar. He had never seen Suzie around before, but there was something about her that seemed kind and understanding. "Hey," Suzie said softly, trying to sound friendly without being too forward. "Are you okay? You looked like you were really upset."
 Dustin's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Suzie's words. No girl had ever asked him how he was doing before. They usually just ignored him or made snide comments about his interests or appearance.