Bullying and Bravery
Dear Fiona,
I’m just a small gator but I’m going to be really, really big someday, I promise! All the other gators tease me. The worst is Chompy in Fort Damnation. He and his friends are very stupid and mean. I’m eating as much meat as I can to grow, so one day they will fear me. In the meantime, they don’t play nice, and when they see me they sing “He’s a little gator, harmless snout….Feed him Thorpe or he will pout.” It makes me want to cry.
What should I do?
Nekumanesh
Dear Nekumanesh,
It sounds like Chompy and his gang are not your friends, and I’d pay no regard to their opinions. I know it’s hard when you’re not accepted, but perhaps it’s time to find your tribe amongst like-minded souls rather than just those of your own species. I hear there’s a nice dog with a nasty master down Windsward way.
I am sure you will grow up to be strong, especially with all the meat you’re collecting. But you don’t need to be big to be brave, and writing in demonstrates a strength of spirit that I’m sure will grant you courage and compassion. When you are all grown up, you will know how those smaller than you feel.
Warm regards,
Fiona
