He smiles at Ethan and Ethan smiles back “Thanks” he says, happy to now know that there’s At least one person who cares about him. Ethan liked the warm reassuring feeling, he hadn’t felt that way ever since his dad died. 

Another week later Ethan was in Mr. Dias’ class as usual but this time Mr. Dias was really worried about Ethan. Ethan said “I’m going to tell you something really big that I’ve never told anyone, today in therapy” before leaving his classroom. 

This has been on Mr. Dias’ mind ever since. He shakes it off when teaching but when he’s just sitting at his desk, without helping anyone, he can’t help but worry and think about it. What could it be ? He constantly thought the whole day, until the therapy session finally came. 

Mr. Dias: “I believe you were going to share a big secret”

Ethan: “Can you give me some time to brace myself ?” 

Mr. Dias: “Of course. Take your time.” 

Could the secret include his marks on his body all the time ? He has fresh marks again today. They aren’t from fights in school. Ever since I got here he hasn’t fought, and Ethan has said he hasn’t got into another fight. Mr. Dias waits patiently for Ethan to open up. After 5 minutes Ethan starts talking. 

Ethan: “It’s about my mum” 

Mr. Dias nods, gesturing to continue. He was scared to speak incase Ethan then backed out and didn’t open up.

Ethan: “She-“ 

Ethans full body stiffens, his facial expression changes and tears start to form in his eyes. Mr. Dias reaches out to comfort him but he flinches, he’s quite jumpy when people touch him. Which mr Dias has took a mental note of but forgot in this moment.

Ethan: “She always hurts me. When I get home from school, she’s waiting to let off steam on me. I thought I could deal with it until I left school, so I could get a job and move out but I don’t think I can deal with it for much longer-“

Mr. Dias in a calm reassuring voice: “Slow down Ethan. I want you to take a deep breath for me”

Ethan inhales slowly and then exhales slowly. Mr. Dias is trying to calm him down, as he started crying but also panicking and rushing everything out. This isn’t how he wants Ethan to feel. It’s obviously emotional and a scary thing to experience but he wants Ethan to feel calm and not panic about his mum right now. School is basically his safe space, and now that is being took away because he’s talking about her.