Max sat alone on a bench, his eyes following the joyful chaos but feeling an invisible wall separating him from it. "I wish they'd let me join," he murmured, clutching his favorite comic book tightly. His bright red sneakers kicked the gravel absentmindedly as he watched his classmates laugh and play.

"Hey, look who it is!" Jake called, his voice dripping with mockery. Max tried to ignore him, but the group circled around like vultures. "What are you doing here all alone, Max? Scared to play with the big kids?" Jake sneered, and his friends snickered.

"Leave him alone, Jake," Ella said firmly, standing tall despite being smaller than the bullies. Her voice was steady, and her gaze unwavering. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" The other kids watched, surprised by her courage.

"Fine, whatever," Jake grumbled, turning away with a dismissive wave. His gang followed, their taunts losing their edge. Ella turned to Max, offering a warm smile. "Hey, do you want to join us?" she asked, gesturing to the marble game.

"Thanks, Ella," Max said, feeling a sense of belonging for the first time. "Anytime," Ella replied, her smile reassuring. The bullies were gone, but the lesson remained: kindness and courage can change everything.