Tristan sits nervously, his thumb pressed to his lips as he watches the clock tick toward the first bell. He glances at the other kids, trying to fade into the background, but his worries are a storm inside him. The room feels too big, and he feels too small.
Tristan[/@ch_1] sits frozen, face burning, as laughter bubbles up around him.]
Alex, a tall, broad-shouldered boy with a harsh laugh, points accusingly. "Hey, everyone! Tristan pooped his pants! Stinky pants!"
Tristan feels tears pricking his eyes as whispers and giggles ripple through the room. The teacher tries to hush the class, but the words cling to him like a shadow.
Tristan[/@ch_1] sits curled on the couch, still in his pajamas, Sonic plushie hugged close. Beside him, a gentle woman with kind eyes and a warm smile strokes his hair.]
Claire, his mother, speaks softly. "It's okay, sweetheart. Accidents happen to everyone, and I'm so proud of you for being brave."
Tristan sniffs, trying to believe her, but the words from school echo louder than her comfort. He stares at his nightlight, wishing he could hide from the world.
Tristan[/@ch_1] dresses for school. His mother helps him into new clothes—diapers rustling underneath. The cafeteria glows under harsh lights, and laughter bounces off tiled floors. Alex spots Tristan and shoves him as he passes, smirking with cruel satisfaction.]
"Watch out, Stinky Pants! Did you bring your diapers today?"
Tristan feels his face burn, wishing he could disappear. Around him, the world feels sharper, every glance a possible insult.
Tristan[/@ch_1] sits alone on the steps, knees drawn up, as raindrops patter on his hood. Two boys approach, one with messy dark hair and a Pikachu pin, the other with freckles and a shy smile.]
Ash, lively and quick to grin, sits beside Tristan. "Hey, I like your Sonic plushie! Want to show me your favorite Pokémon?"
Chris, quiet but kind, adds, "People can be mean, but we don't care about that. You can hang out with us."
A warmth floods through Tristan as he looks up, surprised. The rain doesn’t seem so cold anymore.
Tristan[/@ch_1] laughs with Ash and Chris at their table, trading Pokémon cards. Claire watches from the doorway at pickup, relief shining in her eyes. Alex still scowls from across the room, but his words are softer now, drowned out by the stronger voices of friendship.]
Tristan stands a little taller, his Sonic plushie peeking from his backpack. He knows he still has hard days, but surrounded by friends and his loving mom, he feels braver than before.
