Ethan kicked a pebble as he wandered aimlessly behind the school, the familiar scent of freshly cut grass in the air. His eyes caught a flicker of motion—a shadowy figure exchanging something with another person by the fence. Curiosity piqued, he crouched behind a bush, heart racing as he strained to see through the foliage.

Later, Ethan sat at the kitchen table, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Sarah, his mom, stirred a pot on the stove, a gentle smile on her face. "How was school today, sweetie?" she asked casually. "It was fine, nothing special," Ethan replied, the lie slipping easily from his lips. Yet, a pang of guilt twisted in his stomach.

Ethan lay awake in bed, thoughts of the mysterious exchange looping endlessly in his mind. The shadows on the wall seemed to mock his cowardice. He tossed and turned, unable to shake the feeling of unease that clung to him like a heavy cloak.

With a deep breath, Ethan approached Sarah as she flipped pancakes the next morning. "Mom, I need to tell you something," he began, his voice wavering. Her attention shifted from the stove to her son, concern etched on her face. "I saw something yesterday...behind the school," he confessed, his eyes downcast.

Sarah sat beside Ethan on the couch, her arm wrapped around his shoulders. "It's okay to be scared, Ethan. But it's important to tell the truth, especially when something doesn't feel right," she reassured him, her voice gentle and understanding. Ethan nodded, feeling the weight of his secret lift slightly.

That night, Ethan knelt by his bed, hands clasped tightly. "Please give me the courage to do the right thing," he whispered into the silence, the room filled with a calm serenity. As he climbed into bed, he felt a warmth spread through him—a newfound resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead.