7/29/2019 Short Story Athena

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Characters:Main Character

AthenaOther Characters

1. Marko2. Alessandra3. Sophie

Setting:School

Problem:She was bullied a lot when she was an elementary student.

Solution:She fights back and saves persons who are in need.

The Goddess of Wisdom and War

Athena is smaller than the average height of elementary students. Her grade school

classmates used to call her names like dwarf and microscopic. Rumors and jokes spreadthat her siblings and cousins jumped over her every day since she was a baby and that shewas not allowed to jump during New Years Eve celebration every year.

Being the shortest student in class, Athena would always be placed first in line during flagceremonies and seated in front of the class. Because of this, she was easily seen by everyoneand they would always make fun of her. Her mischievous classmates would tear sheets fromtheir notebooks, crumple them into a ball, and throw the paper balls at her when their teacherwas not looking. She wanted to turn around just to look for the culprits, but she could notbecause once the teacher catches her with her back to the blackboard she would be scolded fornot paying attention.

One time during recess, Athena was hurrying to get first at the vending machine to buy her

favorite cupcake. She skipped breakfast that morning and thought of filling herself up with thishunger-busting chocolate cupcake. The coin slot was a few inches higher that her reach. Shewas almost jumping just to shoot the coin inside the vending machine. Suddenly, she feltsomeone was standing behind her. It was her classmate Alessandra, the tallest girl in theclass. Alessandra grabbed her wrist. The coin flew out of Athenas hand and was caught byAlessandras big hands. Alessandra inserted the coin, pressed the buttons for the cupcake,bumped Athena aside with her bigger hips, and snatched the cupcake.

Ha-ha, this food is not for you, Alessandra taunted her, Go back to your anthill and eatbreadcrumbs!

The bell rang signaling that recess was over. Athena walked out of the canteen sobbing. Later,she went home very hungry and very sad. She found herself talking alone and asking, why do

they do this to me? Is it fair for them to make fun of me just because Im short?

When her parents arrived home from work, Athena confided with them what happened earlierin school. Her parents told her that what her classmates were doing to her was wrong and thatthey have no right to tease and taunt her for her height. They also told her that she should notlet herself be bullied and that if she found herself in again in similar situation, she should letthe teachers or the principal know.

7/29/2019 Short Story Athena

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If no adult is around, you should gather the courage to fight back, her parents advised. Butdont harm them, or else you would be the bully. Remember, your school authorities should bethe ones dealing with the bullies. Dont be afraid to tell your principal who are the bullies, andtrust them to protect you and the rest of the students.

Athena thanked her parents and vowed never to let herself be bullied again.

Four years later, Athena was now in high school. She grew up several inches taller but nottaller than most of her classmates. She was average in height and was more confident ofherself.

One day while she was eating her snack, she heard a girl crying loudly. She looked around andsaw a familiar face and her classmate Marko. Marko was waving a pack of marshmallows tothe little girls face. Athena instantly knew what this situation was all about and quicklywalked towards Marko and the little girl.

Nya-nya-nya-nya-nya! Youll never get this back cry baby!These marshmallows are mine,Athena heard Marko. Marko did not seem to notice that Athena was already standing besideher with a stern-looking face. Athena took the chance and quickly snatched the pack of

marshmallows from Markos waving hands. Stop it Marko, this is not yours! Athena warned.

Marko was taken aback by Athenas bravery. But being the bully that he was, Marko barkedback, Dont mess with me Athena if you dont want to get hurt! Give me back themarshmallows! Athena refused and handed back the marshmallows to the little girl. Markoinsisted on getting the marshmallows. He tried to pull Athenas arms, but Athena swung herarm with full force that it pushed Marko back a few steps. This is not yours, Marko! You cantalways bully people to get what you want! shouted Athena. Ill report you to the principal if

you dont run away this very second! Athena shouted even louder. Marko noticed thateveryone in the canteen was now looking at him and that there was no way he could deny hisbullying if he ever got sent to the principals office. He ran out of the canteen nervously.

Not a minute had passed when a tall girl came rushing in. She saw Athena wiping the tears of

the little girl Marko bullied. Sophie! What happened?!, Athena heard a loud voice. She turnedaround and was surprised to see Alessandra. Marko was bullying me. He snatched mymarshmallows and this girl Athena helped me drive Marko away. I got my marshmallowsback. Alessandras face turned red. She remembered what she did to Athena when they werein elementary. Athena was just wearing a big smile knowing that she was able to fight back abully and show a good example to all.

Thank you very much Athena, Alessandra said while trying to shake Athenas handsnervously. I dont know what to say. Im so embarrassed. I knowyou remember what I did to

you before. Im very sorry. I hope you forgive me Alessandra confessed.

Its all right Alessandra, Athena said with a sincere smile, I realized before that I shouldlearn to fight bullies back and defend myself. I hope we all learned a lesson today.

Yes, Alessandra heaved a sigh of relief, I learned that bullying is wrong. I dont want it tohappen to my sister Sophie, to me, or to anyone else. Ill never bully people again. Thank youfor forgiving me and for teaching me a lesson.