Emily Carter, a shy teenager with chestnut hair and wire-rimmed glasses, lingers by her locker, glancing nervously at the groups of chatting students. She traces the cross on her necklace, her breath fogging in the cool air. The morning feels heavier than usual, burdened by the secret she carries.

Jenna Lopez, Emily’s outgoing classmate with a ready smile, slides onto the bench across from her. "Hey Emily! Is that a Bible? I didn’t know you were religious!" Emily hesitates, cheeks flushing, and glances around before nodding slightly. "Yeah... I am. I just don’t talk about it much," she whispers, her fingers trembling.

Tyler Brooks, a popular basketball player with a mischievous grin, calls out, "Hey, Bible girl! Gonna save us all?" Emily freezes, heart pounding, her face burning with embarrassment. She wants to disappear, but instead, she hugs her Bible tighter.

Mr. Harris, the gentle, gray-haired history teacher, enters and sits beside her. "I saw what happened in the hallway, Emily. I want you to know—faith is nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes, courage is just quietly standing firm," he says, offering her a warm smile. Emily wipes her eyes and listens, feeling a flicker of hope.

"Jenna, would you like to come with me to youth group this weekend? I realized... I don’t want to hide who I am anymore," Emily says, her voice steady. Jenna grins, "I’d love to! Thanks for inviting me," and Emily feels a weight lift.

She smiles, feeling peace settle in her heart. The whispers and stares no longer sting. Emily knows her faith is part of her—and she’s no longer shy about showing it.