The classroom was packed with kids. Whenever there's a room full of kids without any adult around the noise becomes deafening. There was one kid who was separate from every other kid. He usually sat in the back of the classroom. Nobody bothered with him, as he usually remained very passive aggressive. He was like a "Lone Wolf" protecting his territory.

Whenever someone came close to him. He either used to completely ignore them or argue with them.

There was also another kid in particular. He was not really popular but he was liked by everyone. He was friends with all the other kids but not really that close. He also usually sat alone except for a random hi or Wassup?

The names of the "Lone Wolf" and the other kid was Michael and Tom respectively. It was lunch break and everyone sat with their friends eating lunch and talking (at the same time). Tom looked back and saw Michael sitting alone with no food to eat. Tom gets up and walk towards Michael.

You could see the change in expression on Michael's face as he was ready to ignore Tom completely. Tom still continues to sit next to Michael.

"Hey man, you wanna share lunch with me? I got extra anyways, I can't eat it whole." Tom said as he opened his lunch box.

"You can leave the rest for later." Michael spoke bitterly.

"I want you to eat it Michael." Tom replied.

"Why do you always try to help others. Mind your own business." Michael said with a disgusted tone.

"Kindness is free." Tom replied soothingly.

"So is not being kind. I don't get how you carry such a fake personality. Trying to be likeable won't get you any friends. And you know it." Michael said with resentment.

"Nor does hating. I don't mind having no friends. I would rather like my own company being a kind and free person than a hater sitting in a corner." Tom spoke with sarcasm.

"I will see how long it lasts." Michael spoke.

"You remind me of myself a long ago." Tom said.

"Ew, I would never wanna be like you in the future." Michael laughed.

"My dad was always an unkind person. He always stayed away and never around whenever i really needed him. It was the same with my mom and me. I used to be annoyed and therefore always hated others, bullied them and other bad stuff. But when my mom was called for the third time to school office to report my rude behavior. My mom told me one thing which was a stab in the chest. She told me, 'you are just like your father'. And that changed me. If I was like my father, imagine how many people had to feel what I felt. And that was when I wanted to change my behavior." Tom finally let out what was inside his heart. Michael's eyes opened and tears started flowing as he looked at Tom with kindness.

"I have a similar story to you." Michael spoke while wiping his tears.

"I always had a feeling." Tom said as he hugged Michael.

"I understand now, I want to express happiness and kindness too from now." Michael spoke smiling now.

And that's when they both learnt something new and continued to be friends forever.

Rohan Paul

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