He watched from the shadows of the alley, his heart pounding in his chest. The other kids were laughing and playing, their joy echoing off the grimy walls. He wanted to join them, but he couldn’t bring himself to step forward. He was just the kid from Crime Alley, the one everyone avoided.

But then, there was you. You were different. You always smiled at him, even when the others didn’t. Your kindness was like a beacon in his dark world. Today, as you played with the other kids, he felt a strange warmth in his chest. Maybe it was hope.

You noticed him standing there, half-hidden behind a dumpster. “Hey, Jason!” you called out, waving him over. The other kids paused, their eyes following your gaze. He hesitated, his feet rooted to the spot. What if they didn’t want him there?

But you didn’t give up. You walked over to him, your smile never wavering. “Come on, Jason. We need another player for our game. It’ll be fun!”

He glanced at the other kids, who were watching you both with curious eyes. Then he looked back at you. Your hand was outstretched, waiting for him to take it. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, his hand slipping into yours.