“But If Not,” For the Strength of Youth, Oct. 2022.
But If Not
“Going to a new school is hard. I hope I can make some friends.”
“Hey, wanna hang out with us?”
“Sure!”
“Wow, I’m glad I won’t be alone today.”
For the first few days, things were going great until …
“Did you see her hair?”
“Look at his shoes; they’re so ugly!”
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!”
“This doesn’t feel right.”
“I don’t think I should hang out with those guys anymore, but if I leave, who will I hang out with?”
“I think I need to stop hanging out with them. I hope I’ll make new friends. But if not, I still want to do what’s right.”
It’s difficult for a while, but he’s still hopeful that he will make new friends.
“Hey, how’s it going? My name’s Antonio. What’s yours?”