Vin Diesel's Adopted Daughter Stands Up to the School Bully!
Sitka Storytellers
[{'start': '0.160', 'end': '4.480', 'text': 'Maya Williams stepped off the bus, her'}, {'start': '2.560', 'end': '6.799', 'text': 'heart racing as she faced Clear View'}, {'start': '4.480', 'end': '8.559', 'text': 'High School for the first time. The air'}, {'start': '6.799', 'end': '11.440', 'text': 'was thick with the excitement of a new'}, {'start': '8.559', 'end': '14.280', 'text': 'school year. But for Maya, this was just'}, {'start': '11.440', 'end': '16.320', 'text': 'another fresh start, another place to be'}, {'start': '14.280', 'end': '18.080', 'text': 'invisible. Little did she know, the'}, {'start': '16.320', 'end': '20.720', 'text': 'school bully, had already set his sights'}, {'start': '18.080', 'end': '23.680', 'text': 'on her. Bryce Carter, the untouchable'}, {'start': '20.720', 'end': '25.840', 'text': 'quarterback, would make her life hell.'}, {'start': '23.680', 'end': '28.320', 'text': "But what he didn't know, what nobody"}, {'start': '25.840', 'end': '31.439', 'text': 'knew, was that Maya was no ordinary'}, {'start': '28.320', 'end': '33.040', 'text': 'girl. Stay with me and watch how she'}, {'start': '31.439', 'end': '35.360', 'text': 'turns the tables in a way no one saw'}, {'start': '33.040', 'end': '37.600', 'text': 'coming. If you want to see more stories'}, {'start': '35.360', 'end': '39.920', 'text': 'like this, hit that subscribe button'}, {'start': '37.600', 'end': '42.640', 'text': 'now. Maya slowly walked through the'}, {'start': '39.920', 'end': '45.200', 'text': 'crowded hallways of Clear View High, her'}, {'start': '42.640', 'end': '47.760', 'text': 'footsteps echoing against the tiles as'}, {'start': '45.200', 'end': '50.079', 'text': 'she tried to keep her head low. She'}, {'start': '47.760', 'end': '52.640', 'text': "wasn't here to make friends. She wasn't"}, {'start': '50.079', 'end': '54.960', 'text': 'here to fit in. She was here to survive'}, {'start': '52.640', 'end': '57.440', 'text': 'another transfer, another school where'}, {'start': '54.960', 'end': '60.000', 'text': "she'd be the outsider. It wasn't her"}, {'start': '57.440', 'end': '62.399', 'text': 'first time. Moving had become a normal'}, {'start': '60.000', 'end': '65.360', 'text': 'part of her life, one she had learned to'}, {'start': '62.399', 'end': '68.280', 'text': 'navigate quietly, like a shadow that'}, {'start': '65.360', 'end': '70.560', 'text': 'nobody noticed. But Clear View was'}, {'start': '68.280', 'end': '73.119', 'text': 'different. The energy in the air was'}, {'start': '70.560', 'end': '75.360', 'text': 'thick, filled with the buzz of students'}, {'start': '73.119', 'end': '77.280', 'text': 'who had known each other for years.'}, {'start': '75.360', 'end': '78.960', 'text': 'Their laughter and casual chatter'}, {'start': '77.280', 'end': '81.680', 'text': 'wrapping around her like a constant'}, {'start': '78.960', 'end': '84.159', 'text': 'reminder that she was alone. She could'}, {'start': '81.680', 'end': '86.560', 'text': 'feel the stars from students she passed,'}, {'start': '84.159', 'end': '89.360', 'text': 'some curious, some dismissive. They'}, {'start': '86.560', 'end': '91.520', 'text': "could already tell she didn't belong."}, {'start': '89.360', 'end': '93.920', 'text': 'Maya found her locker and forced a deep'}, {'start': '91.520', 'end': '96.560', 'text': 'breath, her fingers shaking slightly as'}, {'start': '93.920', 'end': '99.360', 'text': 'she twisted the combination dial. She'}, {'start': '96.560', 'end': '102.479', 'text': "gay couldn't afford to get distracted."}, {'start': '99.360', 'end': '104.880', 'text': 'Not now. She had to stay focused. It was'}, {'start': '102.479', 'end': '107.200', 'text': 'a routine she knew all too well. Find'}, {'start': '104.880', 'end': '109.439', 'text': 'her locker, avoid confrontation, pick'}, {'start': '107.200', 'end': '111.520', 'text': 'the quietest seat in every class, and'}, {'start': '109.439', 'end': '113.439', 'text': 'make it through the day. If she stayed'}, {'start': '111.520', 'end': '116.079', 'text': 'invisible, she could make it through'}, {'start': '113.439', 'end': '117.079', 'text': 'without being noticed. But life had'}, {'start': '116.079', 'end': '120.159', 'text': 'other'}, {'start': '117.079', 'end': '123.360', 'text': 'plans. As Maya pulled open her locker,'}, {'start': '120.159', 'end': '126.520', 'text': 'she caught sight of him. Bryce Carter.'}, {'start': '123.360', 'end': '128.360', 'text': 'He was impossible to miss. Tall,'}, {'start': '126.520', 'end': '130.959', 'text': 'broad-shouldered, with the kind of'}, {'start': '128.360', 'end': '133.239', 'text': 'effortless swagger that only comes from'}, {'start': '130.959', 'end': '136.160', 'text': 'years of being on top of the social food'}, {'start': '133.239', 'end': '138.640', 'text': 'chain. He stood there, leaning casually'}, {'start': '136.160', 'end': '141.360', 'text': 'against a row of lockers, surrounded by'}, {'start': '138.640', 'end': '144.000', 'text': 'his pack, his group of jocks, who hung'}, {'start': '141.360', 'end': '146.640', 'text': 'on to every word he said.'}, {'start': '144.000', 'end': '149.440', 'text': 'Maya had seen this type before. The ones'}, {'start': '146.640', 'end': '151.920', 'text': 'who thrived on their power over others.'}, {'start': '149.440', 'end': '154.640', 'text': 'The ones who liked to make. You feel'}, {'start': '151.920', 'end': '157.280', 'text': "small without lifting a finger. Bryce's"}, {'start': '154.640', 'end': '159.840', 'text': 'sharp eyes scanned the hallway, his gaze'}, {'start': '157.280', 'end': '162.239', 'text': 'pausing on her for just a moment, but it'}, {'start': '159.840', 'end': '164.959', 'text': 'was enough. Maya felt the weight of his'}, {'start': '162.239', 'end': '166.720', 'text': 'attention, and before she could react,'}, {'start': '164.959', 'end': '168.640', 'text': 'one of his friends shoved past her in'}, {'start': '166.720', 'end': '171.599', 'text': 'the narrow hallway, knocking her books'}, {'start': '168.640', 'end': '173.760', 'text': 'from her arms. The thud of her textbooks'}, {'start': '171.599', 'end': '177.200', 'text': 'hitting the floor was like a signal, and'}, {'start': '173.760', 'end': '179.040', 'text': 'the group of boys erupted into laughter.'}, {'start': '177.200', 'end': '182.239', 'text': "Maya's face flushed, but she didn't let"}, {'start': '179.040', 'end': '184.640', 'text': 'it show. She bent down quickly, ignoring'}, {'start': '182.239', 'end': '187.200', 'text': 'the burning in her cheeks as her book'}, {'start': '184.640', 'end': '189.680', 'text': 'scattered in every direction. "Well,'}, {'start': '187.200', 'end': '193.040', 'text': 'well, what do we have here?" The voice'}, {'start': '189.680', 'end': '194.640', 'text': 'was smooth, laced with mockery. Maya'}, {'start': '193.040', 'end': '196.360', 'text': "didn't need to look up to know who it"}, {'start': '194.640', 'end': '199.760', 'text': 'was.'}, {'start': '196.360', 'end': '201.920', 'text': 'Bryce of Of of course it was him. She'}, {'start': '199.760', 'end': '203.800', 'text': 'could hear the chuckles behind him. The'}, {'start': '201.920', 'end': '206.720', 'text': 'pressure of the moment hit her all at'}, {'start': '203.800', 'end': '210.720', 'text': 'once. Every part of her wanted to snap,'}, {'start': '206.720', 'end': '212.879', 'text': "to react, to fight back. But she didn't."}, {'start': '210.720', 'end': '216.799', 'text': 'Instead, she grabbed her books and stood'}, {'start': '212.879', 'end': '218.480', 'text': 'up, brushing past him without a word.'}, {'start': '216.799', 'end': '220.959', 'text': 'Her fingers were trembling, but she'}, {'start': '218.480', 'end': '223.200', 'text': 'didn\'t let her body betray her. "Hey,'}, {'start': '220.959', 'end': '225.680', 'text': 'where\'s your manners?" Bryce\'s voice'}, {'start': '223.200', 'end': '228.000', 'text': 'rang out louder this time, forcing her'}, {'start': '225.680', 'end': '231.200', 'text': "to stop in her tracks. Maya didn't"}, {'start': '228.000', 'end': '234.319', 'text': 'respond, just kept walking. But she knew'}, {'start': '231.200', 'end': '236.400', 'text': "he wouldn't let it slide. Not with the"}, {'start': '234.319', 'end': '238.799', 'text': 'crowd watching, not with his pride at'}, {'start': '236.400', 'end': '241.120', 'text': 'stake. She felt a sharp tug on her'}, {'start': '238.799', 'end': '243.439', 'text': 'backpack, a firm yank that pulled her'}, {'start': '241.120', 'end': '245.120', 'text': 'back slightly, just enough to remind her'}, {'start': '243.439', 'end': '248.560', 'text': "that Bryce wasn't going to back off"}, {'start': '245.120', 'end': '250.879', 'text': 'easily. Maya turned around slowly, her'}, {'start': '248.560', 'end': '253.599', 'text': 'heart pounding in her chest. The hallway'}, {'start': '250.879', 'end': '255.360', 'text': 'had gone silent. Even the students who'}, {'start': '253.599', 'end': '257.600', 'text': 'had been ignoring them now turned to'}, {'start': '255.360', 'end': '260.479', 'text': 'watch, their eyes darting between her'}, {'start': '257.600', 'end': '263.479', 'text': 'and Bryce. For a moment, she could feel'}, {'start': '260.479', 'end': '266.720', 'text': 'the weight of every gaze, every'}, {'start': '263.479', 'end': '269.400', 'text': 'expectation. This was it. This was when'}, {'start': '266.720', 'end': '272.080', 'text': 'she would either stand her ground or'}, {'start': '269.400', 'end': '273.919', 'text': 'break. Bryce stood in front of her, arms'}, {'start': '272.080', 'end': '276.080', 'text': 'crossed, his usual smirk spreading'}, {'start': '273.919', 'end': '278.960', 'text': 'across his face. "You really think you'}, {'start': '276.080', 'end': '280.880', 'text': 'can just walk away from me?" he taunted.'}, {'start': '278.960', 'end': '283.560', 'text': 'For the briefest second, Maya saw'}, {'start': '280.880', 'end': '286.240', 'text': 'something flicker in his eyes. Something'}, {'start': '283.560', 'end': '288.720', 'text': 'unexpected. Maybe it was curiosity.'}, {'start': '286.240', 'end': '291.919', 'text': 'Maybe it was surprise. But whatever it'}, {'start': '288.720', 'end': '293.919', 'text': 'was, it only lasted a moment before his'}, {'start': '291.919', 'end': '296.560', 'text': "arrogance returned. You're kind of"}, {'start': '293.919', 'end': '298.880', 'text': "weird. You know that? Bryce's words were"}, {'start': '296.560', 'end': '301.759', 'text': "smooth, but they didn't have the bite he"}, {'start': '298.880', 'end': '304.320', 'text': 'was hoping for. He tilted his head as if'}, {'start': '301.759', 'end': '307.400', 'text': "waiting for her to react. Maya didn't"}, {'start': '304.320', 'end': '309.520', 'text': 'answer. She just held his gaze,'}, {'start': '307.400', 'end': '312.720', 'text': 'unflinching. For the first time, she'}, {'start': '309.520', 'end': '315.199', 'text': "didn't feel afraid. She didn't feel"}, {'start': '312.720', 'end': '317.160', 'text': 'small. Without breaking eye contact,'}, {'start': '315.199', 'end': '320.160', 'text': 'Maya took a deep breath and turned'}, {'start': '317.160', 'end': '323.120', 'text': "around. She wasn't going to let him win."}, {'start': '320.160', 'end': '325.280', 'text': 'Not with his words, not with his games.'}, {'start': '323.120', 'end': '327.199', 'text': 'She kept walking, the sound of her'}, {'start': '325.280', 'end': '329.280', 'text': 'footsteps louder now in the eerie'}, {'start': '327.199', 'end': '332.000', 'text': 'silence of the hallway. She heard'}, {'start': '329.280', 'end': '335.039', 'text': "Bryce's voice again, calling after her,"}, {'start': '332.000', 'end': '337.919', 'text': "but this time it didn't phase her."}, {'start': '335.039', 'end': '340.800', 'text': 'What\'s your problem?" he yelled. But Mia'}, {'start': '337.919', 'end': '342.880', 'text': "didn't answer. She didn't need to."}, {'start': '340.800', 'end': '344.759', 'text': "Maya's world shifted when the final bell"}, {'start': '342.880', 'end': '347.280', 'text': 'rang, signaling the end of the school'}, {'start': '344.759', 'end': '349.840', 'text': 'day. She was heading to the bus stop'}, {'start': '347.280', 'end': '352.400', 'text': 'when she heard a voice behind her. "Hey,'}, {'start': '349.840', 'end': '355.039', 'text': 'new girl." Bryce\'s voice was sharp. A'}, {'start': '352.400', 'end': '357.360', 'text': 'challenge. She turned slowly, already'}, {'start': '355.039', 'end': '359.600', 'text': 'knowing what was coming. Bryce was'}, {'start': '357.360', 'end': '361.759', 'text': 'standing a few feet away, his friends'}, {'start': '359.600', 'end': '364.800', 'text': 'hanging back, waiting to see what he'}, {'start': '361.759', 'end': '366.880', 'text': 'would do next. Maya stayed calm. "What'}, {'start': '364.800', 'end': '369.680', 'text': 'do you want?" she asked, her voice'}, {'start': '366.880', 'end': '372.400', 'text': 'steady. Bryce took a step closer, a grin'}, {'start': '369.680', 'end': '375.520', 'text': 'spreading across his face. "You think'}, {'start': '372.400', 'end': '377.600', 'text': 'you\'re better than me?" "This was it.'}, {'start': '375.520', 'end': '380.160', 'text': "The moment she'd been dreading. She"}, {'start': '377.600', 'end': '382.520', 'text': 'could feel her pulse quicken, but she'}, {'start': '380.160', 'end': '386.160', 'text': "wasn't afraid. She let out a short"}, {'start': '382.520', 'end': '387.400', 'text': 'laugh. I think," she said slowly, "that'}, {'start': '386.160', 'end': '390.240', 'text': 'you should walk'}, {'start': '387.400', 'end': '392.400', 'text': 'away." For a brief moment, Maya thought'}, {'start': '390.240', 'end': '395.280', 'text': 'Bryce would take the bait. He stood'}, {'start': '392.400', 'end': '397.199', 'text': 'there, jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing.'}, {'start': '395.280', 'end': '399.840', 'text': 'But then, to her surprise, something'}, {'start': '397.199', 'end': '402.800', 'text': 'changed. "I don\'t take orders from you,"'}, {'start': '399.840', 'end': '405.840', 'text': 'he said, his voice lower now. The cocky'}, {'start': '402.800', 'end': '408.319', 'text': 'edge replaced by something else. Maya'}, {'start': '405.840', 'end': '411.039', 'text': "didn't flinch. She wasn't here to fight."}, {'start': '408.319', 'end': '413.199', 'text': "She wasn't here to prove herself. She"}, {'start': '411.039', 'end': '416.639', 'text': 'lifted her phone, her fingers brushing'}, {'start': '413.199', 'end': '419.199', 'text': 'the screen. And then she pressed a'}, {'start': '416.639', 'end': '421.599', 'text': 'button. The sound of a roaring engine'}, {'start': '419.199', 'end': '422.960', 'text': 'filled the air loud enough to drown out'}, {'start': '421.599', 'end': '426.000', 'text': 'the tension that had been building'}, {'start': '422.960', 'end': '428.960', 'text': 'between them. Maya looked at Bryce one'}, {'start': '426.000', 'end': '431.280', 'text': 'last time before stepping aside as a'}, {'start': '428.960', 'end': '433.120', 'text': 'sleek black Dodge Charger Hellcat pulled'}, {'start': '431.280', 'end': '435.680', 'text': 'up next to her. The tinted windows'}, {'start': '433.120', 'end': '438.319', 'text': 'rolled down slowly and there behind the'}, {'start': '435.680', 'end': '440.639', 'text': 'wheel sat none other than Vin Diesel.'}, {'start': '438.319', 'end': '443.199', 'text': "Bryce's smirk vanished instantly, his"}, {'start': '440.639', 'end': '445.919', 'text': 'face turning pale. His friend stared in'}, {'start': '443.199', 'end': '449.039', 'text': 'disbelief. Maya turned to face Bryce,'}, {'start': '445.919', 'end': '452.000', 'text': 'smiling for the first time that day.'}, {'start': '449.039', 'end': '454.319', 'text': '"Still think I\'m weird?" she asked.'}, {'start': '452.000', 'end': '456.880', 'text': "Bryce didn't answer. For the first time"}, {'start': '454.319', 'end': '458.560', 'text': 'in his life, he had no words. Maya'}, {'start': '456.880', 'end': '460.960', 'text': "couldn't stop thinking about the look on"}, {'start': '458.560', 'end': '463.280', 'text': "Bryce's face when Vin Diesel's Charger"}, {'start': '460.960', 'end': '465.120', 'text': 'pulled up beside her. The way his'}, {'start': '463.280', 'end': '467.599', 'text': 'confident smirk crumbled into sheer'}, {'start': '465.120', 'end': '471.039', 'text': 'disbelief was the most satisfying thing'}, {'start': '467.599', 'end': '473.360', 'text': "she'd ever experienced. She sat quietly,"}, {'start': '471.039', 'end': '475.680', 'text': 'the passenger seat, her fingers still'}, {'start': '473.360', 'end': '477.879', 'text': 'trembling slightly, but the rush of'}, {'start': '475.680', 'end': '480.000', 'text': 'having turned the tables on Bryce was'}, {'start': '477.879', 'end': '482.000', 'text': 'intoxicating. Yet, as Vin drove her'}, {'start': '480.000', 'end': '484.319', 'text': 'through the streets of Houston, a'}, {'start': '482.000', 'end': '486.479', 'text': 'thought lingered in her mind. She was no'}, {'start': '484.319', 'end': '488.479', 'text': 'stranger to running away from things,'}, {'start': '486.479', 'end': '490.520', 'text': 'starting over in new schools, keeping'}, {'start': '488.479', 'end': '493.120', 'text': 'her head down, hiding from'}, {'start': '490.520', 'end': '495.919', 'text': 'confrontation. But now, she had just'}, {'start': '493.120', 'end': '498.639', 'text': 'made an enemy of the most powerful guy'}, {'start': '495.919', 'end': '502.840', 'text': 'at school. Bryce Carter was no one to'}, {'start': '498.639', 'end': '505.120', 'text': "mess with. And Maya knew that she wasn't"}, {'start': '502.840', 'end': '507.360', 'text': 'naive. As they turned a corner, she'}, {'start': '505.120', 'end': '510.080', 'text': 'looked over at Vin, who kept his eyes'}, {'start': '507.360', 'end': '513.839', 'text': 'focused on the road. He was always so'}, {'start': '510.080', 'end': '516.479', 'text': 'calm, like nothing could shake him. Maya'}, {'start': '513.839', 'end': '518.479', 'text': 'felt a twinge of unease. What if Bryce'}, {'start': '516.479', 'end': '521.279', 'text': "didn't let it go this time? What if"}, {'start': '518.479', 'end': '524.720', 'text': "things got worse? Vinn's voice broke"}, {'start': '521.279', 'end': '526.720', 'text': 'through her thoughts. You okay? His tone'}, {'start': '524.720', 'end': '527.880', 'text': 'was casual, but Maya could sense the'}, {'start': '526.720', 'end': '531.120', 'text': 'underlying'}, {'start': '527.880', 'end': '535.600', 'text': 'concern. Maya exhaled slowly, trying to'}, {'start': '531.120', 'end': '538.880', 'text': "calm her nerves. I'm fine. I just She"}, {'start': '535.600', 'end': '541.360', 'text': 'paused, her words caught in her throat.'}, {'start': '538.880', 'end': '544.000', 'text': "I don't want this to spiral. I just want"}, {'start': '541.360', 'end': '546.480', 'text': 'to go to school, not deal with this. But'}, {'start': '544.000', 'end': '548.959', 'text': "I know he won't let it go. Bryce isn't"}, {'start': '546.480', 'end': '551.680', 'text': 'the type to back down. Vin glanced at'}, {'start': '548.959', 'end': '554.320', 'text': 'her, a small smile tugging at his lips.'}, {'start': '551.680', 'end': '556.560', 'text': "You've got this. He's used to being on"}, {'start': '554.320', 'end': '559.519', 'text': "top, right? People like that don't like"}, {'start': '556.560', 'end': '561.600', 'text': "losing. They'll try to get it back, but"}, {'start': '559.519', 'end': '563.440', 'text': "it's up to you whether you let them."}, {'start': '561.600', 'end': '566.000', 'text': 'Maya nodded, but a deep sense of'}, {'start': '563.440', 'end': '568.320', 'text': 'uncertainty clung to her. There was a'}, {'start': '566.000', 'end': '570.279', 'text': 'part of her that hated conflict, that'}, {'start': '568.320', 'end': '572.720', 'text': 'wanted to keep quiet and just be left'}, {'start': '570.279', 'end': '575.279', 'text': 'alone. But another part of her,'}, {'start': '572.720', 'end': '577.600', 'text': "something deep inside, knew she couldn't"}, {'start': '575.279', 'end': '580.240', 'text': 'walk away now. She had done something'}, {'start': '577.600', 'end': '582.399', 'text': 'that no one else would have dared. She'}, {'start': '580.240', 'end': '585.279', 'text': 'had stood up to Bryce, and now it was'}, {'start': '582.399', 'end': '588.080', 'text': 'too late to turn back. As they pulled'}, {'start': '585.279', 'end': '590.640', 'text': 'into a quiet suburban neighborhood,'}, {'start': '588.080', 'end': '593.120', 'text': "Maya's phone buzzed in her pocket. She"}, {'start': '590.640', 'end': '595.680', 'text': 'pulled it out, expecting to see messages'}, {'start': '593.120', 'end': '597.279', 'text': 'from friends, or more likely, gossip'}, {'start': '595.680', 'end': '600.080', 'text': 'about the scene that had just played out'}, {'start': '597.279', 'end': '603.040', 'text': 'in front of the school, but instead the'}, {'start': '600.080', 'end': '606.320', 'text': 'screen flashed with a notification. Maya'}, {'start': '603.040', 'end': '608.160', 'text': 'Williams new girl. A thread started by'}, {'start': '606.320', 'end': '611.040', 'text': "none other than Bryce's best friend,"}, {'start': '608.160', 'end': '613.839', 'text': 'Ryan. The post was filled with mocking'}, {'start': '611.040', 'end': '617.839', 'text': 'memes, jokes at her expense, and cruel'}, {'start': '613.839', 'end': '619.920', 'text': 'comments about her Vin Diesel moment.'}, {'start': '617.839', 'end': '621.360', 'text': "There was no doubt about it. Bryce's"}, {'start': '619.920', 'end': '623.600', 'text': 'friends were making sure the whole'}, {'start': '621.360', 'end': '626.000', 'text': 'school knew what had happened. But that'}, {'start': '623.600', 'end': '628.640', 'text': "wasn't what caught Maya's attention. It"}, {'start': '626.000', 'end': '630.480', 'text': "was the comments under Ryan's post. Some"}, {'start': '628.640', 'end': '633.920', 'text': 'students were laughing along, but others'}, {'start': '630.480', 'end': '636.320', 'text': "were questioning Bryce's actions. Bryce,"}, {'start': '633.920', 'end': '639.440', 'text': 'you really let her talk back to you?'}, {'start': '636.320', 'end': '641.600', 'text': "That girl's got some guts. Maybe she's"}, {'start': '639.440', 'end': '643.360', 'text': 'not the one you want to mess with. Maya'}, {'start': '641.600', 'end': '645.839', 'text': 'stared at the screen, feeling a mix of'}, {'start': '643.360', 'end': '648.000', 'text': 'pride and dread. Bryce was losing his'}, {'start': '645.839', 'end': '650.480', 'text': 'grip, and Mia could feel it, but she'}, {'start': '648.000', 'end': '652.720', 'text': "wasn't sure what to do next. Should she"}, {'start': '650.480', 'end': '654.399', 'text': 'confront him again? Should she let it'}, {'start': '652.720', 'end': '656.800', 'text': 'play out and hope that he would crumble'}, {'start': '654.399', 'end': '660.079', 'text': 'on his own? Her heart raced as the'}, {'start': '656.800', 'end': '662.640', 'text': 'uncertainty settled in. As Vin pulled'}, {'start': '660.079', 'end': '665.760', 'text': 'into their driveway, Maya tried to shake'}, {'start': '662.640', 'end': '667.680', 'text': 'off the unease. She was grateful for the'}, {'start': '665.760', 'end': '669.920', 'text': 'peace she felt here in the quiet of'}, {'start': '667.680', 'end': '672.000', 'text': 'their home. She stepped out of the car,'}, {'start': '669.920', 'end': '675.040', 'text': 'but before she could head inside, a'}, {'start': '672.000', 'end': '676.800', 'text': 'voice called out from next door. Maya.'}, {'start': '675.040', 'end': '678.959', 'text': 'She turned to see Mr. Jacobs, the'}, {'start': '676.800', 'end': '680.720', 'text': 'neighbor who lived two houses down,'}, {'start': '678.959', 'end': '683.680', 'text': 'walking toward her with a concerned look'}, {'start': '680.720', 'end': '686.079', 'text': 'on his face. Maya had known him for'}, {'start': '683.680', 'end': '688.399', 'text': "years. He'd been a family friend since"}, {'start': '686.079', 'end': '690.880', 'text': "her parents moved to Houston, and she'd"}, {'start': '688.399', 'end': '693.680', 'text': 'always appreciated his downto-earth'}, {'start': '690.880', 'end': '695.839', 'text': 'nature. He was a retired police officer,'}, {'start': '693.680', 'end': '698.320', 'text': 'a calm, level-headed man who had always'}, {'start': '695.839', 'end': '700.959', 'text': 'given her solid advice. "Hey, Mr.'}, {'start': '698.320', 'end': '704.000', 'text': 'Jacobs," Maya said, forcing a smile.'}, {'start': '700.959', 'end': '706.680', 'text': '"You all right?" he eyed her carefully,'}, {'start': '704.000', 'end': '709.440', 'text': 'his expression a mix of concern and'}, {'start': '706.680', 'end': '712.399', 'text': 'curiosity. "I saw that scene outside the'}, {'start': '709.440', 'end': '714.800', 'text': 'school today with that boy, Bryce. Is'}, {'start': '712.399', 'end': '717.040', 'text': 'everything okay?" Maya hesitated,'}, {'start': '714.800', 'end': '719.600', 'text': 'feeling the weight of his gaze. "Yeah,'}, {'start': '717.040', 'end': '722.000', 'text': "it's fine. Just you know how high school"}, {'start': '719.600', 'end': '724.399', 'text': 'is. Boys like Bryce think they can bully'}, {'start': '722.000', 'end': '727.839', 'text': "everyone around. But I'm okay. Mr."}, {'start': '724.399', 'end': '730.000', 'text': "Jacobs raised an eyebrow. I've seen my"}, {'start': '727.839', 'end': '732.000', 'text': 'share of bullies, Maya. But I can tell'}, {'start': '730.000', 'end': '733.920', 'text': 'you one thing. When a bully gets'}, {'start': '732.000', 'end': '736.160', 'text': 'embarrassed, especially one like Bryce,'}, {'start': '733.920', 'end': '738.480', 'text': "they don't let it slide. You've made an"}, {'start': '736.160', 'end': '742.240', 'text': 'enemy of someone powerful. You need to'}, {'start': '738.480', 'end': '744.160', 'text': 'be careful. Myar stomach tightened. I'}, {'start': '742.240', 'end': '746.040', 'text': "know. I don't want to make things worse,"}, {'start': '744.160', 'end': '749.440', 'text': "but I couldn't just let him push me"}, {'start': '746.040', 'end': '752.480', 'text': 'around. Mr. Jacobs nodded slowly, his'}, {'start': '749.440', 'end': '754.399', 'text': "face softening. I get it. You've got a"}, {'start': '752.480', 'end': '756.800', 'text': "lot of strength in you. But it's not"}, {'start': '754.399', 'end': '758.800', 'text': "just about standing up to him now. It's"}, {'start': '756.800', 'end': '760.399', 'text': 'about understanding what comes next.'}, {'start': '758.800', 'end': '762.320', 'text': 'Sometimes bullies get dangerous when'}, {'start': '760.399', 'end': '764.760', 'text': "they feel like they've lost control."}, {'start': '762.320', 'end': '767.839', 'text': "You've got to be ready for what he might"}, {'start': '764.760', 'end': '770.800', 'text': 'do. Maya swallowed hard, the weight of'}, {'start': '767.839', 'end': '775.279', 'text': 'his words sinking in. "What should I'}, {'start': '770.800', 'end': '778.240', 'text': 'do?" "Stay smart. Stay safe," he said.'}, {'start': '775.279', 'end': '780.240', 'text': 'his voice low but firm. And if things'}, {'start': '778.240', 'end': '783.200', 'text': "get out of hand, don't be afraid to let"}, {'start': '780.240', 'end': '785.279', 'text': "someone know. People like Bryce, they're"}, {'start': '783.200', 'end': '786.959', 'text': 'not used to being knocked down. And when'}, {'start': '785.279', 'end': '789.279', 'text': 'they do get knocked down, they fight'}, {'start': '786.959', 'end': '791.040', 'text': "back harder. Just remember, you've got a"}, {'start': '789.279', 'end': '794.079', 'text': 'strong family and a strong support'}, {'start': '791.040', 'end': '796.360', 'text': "system. Don't face it alone. Maya"}, {'start': '794.079', 'end': '799.760', 'text': 'nodded, feeling a chill run down her'}, {'start': '796.360', 'end': '801.040', 'text': "spine. Mr. Jacobs was right. She hadn't"}, {'start': '799.760', 'end': '803.360', 'text': 'really thought about what would come'}, {'start': '801.040', 'end': '806.079', 'text': 'after the confrontation. What if Bryce'}, {'start': '803.360', 'end': '808.000', 'text': 'retaliated? What if he went further than'}, {'start': '806.079', 'end': '809.920', 'text': 'just making fun of her or making her the'}, {'start': '808.000', 'end': '812.240', 'text': 'target of his jokes? As she stepped'}, {'start': '809.920', 'end': '814.880', 'text': 'inside the house, her mom, Rachel,'}, {'start': '812.240', 'end': '818.079', 'text': 'looked up from the kitchen. A concerned'}, {'start': '814.880', 'end': '821.040', 'text': 'frown on her face. Maya, what happened'}, {'start': '818.079', 'end': '825.200', 'text': 'today? The school called. They said'}, {'start': '821.040', 'end': '828.800', 'text': 'something about a incident. Maya sighed,'}, {'start': '825.200', 'end': '831.200', 'text': 'setting her backpack down by the door.'}, {'start': '828.800', 'end': '833.440', 'text': "It's nothing, just some guy at school"}, {'start': '831.200', 'end': '835.839', 'text': "trying to act tough. He's been bullying"}, {'start': '833.440', 'end': '838.079', 'text': 'me a little, but I stood up to him.'}, {'start': '835.839', 'end': '840.199', 'text': "Rachel's eyes softened, but there was"}, {'start': '838.079', 'end': '843.120', 'text': 'something in her gaze that made Mia'}, {'start': '840.199', 'end': '844.959', 'text': "uneasy. Are you sure that's all? You"}, {'start': '843.120', 'end': '847.800', 'text': 'know you can tell me anything, right?'}, {'start': '844.959', 'end': '851.600', 'text': "Maya paused, then nodded. Yeah, it's"}, {'start': '847.800', 'end': '853.760', 'text': "just high school stuff. I'm handling it."}, {'start': '851.600', 'end': '856.399', 'text': 'Rachel stood up and walked over to her,'}, {'start': '853.760', 'end': '860.480', 'text': 'putting a hand on her shoulder. I know'}, {'start': '856.399', 'end': '862.560', 'text': "you are. Just be careful, okay? You're"}, {'start': '860.480', 'end': '864.320', 'text': "strong, Maya, but sometimes it's the"}, {'start': '862.560', 'end': '866.480', 'text': 'ones who seem the strongest that end up'}, {'start': '864.320', 'end': '870.000', 'text': "needing help. Maya met her mom's gaze"}, {'start': '866.480', 'end': '872.639', 'text': 'and gave a small smile. I will. Thanks,'}, {'start': '870.000', 'end': '875.120', 'text': 'Mom. But even as she tried to reassure'}, {'start': '872.639', 'end': '877.440', 'text': 'her mother, the reality of the situation'}, {'start': '875.120', 'end': '880.079', 'text': "weighed heavily on her. Bryce wouldn't"}, {'start': '877.440', 'end': '883.519', 'text': "let it go. He couldn't. He was a"}, {'start': '880.079', 'end': '885.440', 'text': 'predator and she was his prey. And as'}, {'start': '883.519', 'end': '887.519', 'text': 'much as Maya wanted to pretend that she'}, {'start': '885.440', 'end': '890.079', 'text': 'had everything under control, she'}, {'start': '887.519', 'end': '893.360', 'text': "couldn't ignore the truth. She had just"}, {'start': '890.079', 'end': '895.560', 'text': 'started a war. The question was, how far'}, {'start': '893.360', 'end': '898.639', 'text': 'would Bryce go to win? And more'}, {'start': '895.560', 'end': '902.360', 'text': 'importantly, how far was Maya willing to'}, {'start': '898.639', 'end': '905.199', 'text': "go to make sure she didn't lose? The war"}, {'start': '902.360', 'end': '906.839', 'text': "begins. Bryce's first strike. The next"}, {'start': '905.199', 'end': '909.360', 'text': 'morning, the air felt heavier than'}, {'start': '906.839', 'end': '911.519', 'text': 'usual. Maya woke up to the harsh sound'}, {'start': '909.360', 'end': '913.760', 'text': 'of her alarm clock blaring, but it'}, {'start': '911.519', 'end': '915.440', 'text': "wasn't the noise that startled her. It"}, {'start': '913.760', 'end': '918.000', 'text': 'was the weight of what she had done the'}, {'start': '915.440', 'end': '920.320', 'text': 'day before. As she pulled on her uniform'}, {'start': '918.000', 'end': '922.959', 'text': 'and grabbed her bag, her mind kept'}, {'start': '920.320', 'end': '925.199', 'text': 'replaying the events. The smirk wiped'}, {'start': '922.959', 'end': '928.120', 'text': "off Bryce's face, the way his friends"}, {'start': '925.199', 'end': '930.519', 'text': 'backed off in silence. She had won,'}, {'start': '928.120', 'end': '933.360', 'text': 'right? But then why did she feel so'}, {'start': '930.519', 'end': '935.360', 'text': 'unsettled? When she stepped outside, the'}, {'start': '933.360', 'end': '937.680', 'text': 'sun was already high, casting long'}, {'start': '935.360', 'end': '940.880', 'text': 'shadows on the pavement. The streets of'}, {'start': '937.680', 'end': '943.440', 'text': 'Houston felt eerily calm, but Maya knew'}, {'start': '940.880', 'end': '945.199', 'text': "she was heading into battle. She wasn't"}, {'start': '943.440', 'end': '947.839', 'text': 'sure if she could call it a victory just'}, {'start': '945.199', 'end': '950.639', 'text': "yet. Bryce wasn't the kind of guy to"}, {'start': '947.839', 'end': '952.880', 'text': 'take. A loss lying down, and she knew'}, {'start': '950.639', 'end': '956.240', 'text': 'retaliation was inevitable. The question'}, {'start': '952.880', 'end': '958.320', 'text': 'was, how far would he go? As Maya sat in'}, {'start': '956.240', 'end': '960.399', 'text': "the backseat of Vin's car, the silence"}, {'start': '958.320', 'end': '962.880', 'text': 'between them stretched, her fingers'}, {'start': '960.399', 'end': '966.720', 'text': 'drumed anxiously on her lap, each tap'}, {'start': '962.880', 'end': '968.880', 'text': "echoing in her mind. You okay? Vin's"}, {'start': '966.720', 'end': '970.560', 'text': 'voice broke through the tension, a calm'}, {'start': '968.880', 'end': '973.360', 'text': 'but perceptive note that was always'}, {'start': '970.560', 'end': '975.440', 'text': 'there, like a protective barrier. He'}, {'start': '973.360', 'end': '977.000', 'text': "didn't need to ask. He already knew"}, {'start': '975.440', 'end': '981.759', 'text': 'something was weighing on'}, {'start': '977.000', 'end': '984.480', 'text': "her. Maya nodded. I just I don't know if"}, {'start': '981.759', 'end': '988.079', 'text': "I'm ready for what happens next. Bryce"}, {'start': '984.480', 'end': '989.839', 'text': "won't just forget about yesterday. Vin"}, {'start': '988.079', 'end': '992.000', 'text': 'turned the wheel, glancing at her out of'}, {'start': '989.839', 'end': '994.399', 'text': "the corner of his eye. You've already"}, {'start': '992.000', 'end': '996.560', 'text': "made your move. You can't control how he"}, {'start': '994.399', 'end': '998.639', 'text': 'reacts, but you can control how you'}, {'start': '996.560', 'end': '1002.720', 'text': "handle it. Don't let him define your"}, {'start': '998.639', 'end': '1006.000', 'text': 'next steps. Maya exhaled deeply. I know.'}, {'start': '1002.720', 'end': '1008.560', 'text': "It's just he has a way of making people"}, {'start': '1006.000', 'end': '1011.680', 'text': "feel small. I'm not sure I'm ready for"}, {'start': '1008.560', 'end': '1013.920', 'text': 'him to go after me to really hurt me.'}, {'start': '1011.680', 'end': '1016.000', 'text': "Don't worry, Finn said softly. You're"}, {'start': '1013.920', 'end': '1018.720', 'text': 'stronger than you think. Maya'}, {'start': '1016.000', 'end': '1020.560', 'text': 'appreciated his words, but the truth was'}, {'start': '1018.720', 'end': '1022.959', 'text': 'she had never been this nervous about'}, {'start': '1020.560', 'end': '1025.439', 'text': 'standing her ground. She had survived'}, {'start': '1022.959', 'end': '1027.679', 'text': 'her fair share of bullies, but none had'}, {'start': '1025.439', 'end': '1030.319', 'text': 'been like Bryce Carter. None had'}, {'start': '1027.679', 'end': '1033.439', 'text': 'commanded the room the way he did. And'}, {'start': '1030.319', 'end': '1036.240', 'text': 'now Maya had no choice but to face him'}, {'start': '1033.439', 'end': '1038.240', 'text': 'head on. The moment she walked into the'}, {'start': '1036.240', 'end': '1040.880', 'text': 'school, the tension hit her like a'}, {'start': '1038.240', 'end': '1042.959', 'text': 'physical weight. Whispers followed her'}, {'start': '1040.880', 'end': '1046.079', 'text': 'down the hall, students exchanging'}, {'start': '1042.959', 'end': '1049.120', 'text': "glances as they passed by. Maya's pulse"}, {'start': '1046.079', 'end': '1050.160', 'text': "quickened, but she didn't. Stop. She"}, {'start': '1049.120', 'end': '1052.440', 'text': "wasn't going to give them the"}, {'start': '1050.160', 'end': '1055.120', 'text': 'satisfaction of seeing her rattle. Not'}, {'start': '1052.440', 'end': '1057.200', 'text': 'today. When she passed by the lockers,'}, {'start': '1055.120', 'end': '1059.440', 'text': 'she saw Bryce for the first time since'}, {'start': '1057.200', 'end': '1061.760', 'text': 'the confrontation. He was leaning'}, {'start': '1059.440', 'end': '1065.039', 'text': 'against the lockers, his usual group of'}, {'start': '1061.760', 'end': '1067.360', 'text': 'jocks surrounding him. But today, there'}, {'start': '1065.039', 'end': '1070.640', 'text': 'was something different about him. His'}, {'start': '1067.360', 'end': '1072.559', 'text': 'usual cocky grin was gone, replaced with'}, {'start': '1070.640', 'end': '1074.440', 'text': 'a tightness in his jaw and a look of'}, {'start': '1072.559', 'end': '1077.360', 'text': 'frustration that Maya had never seen'}, {'start': '1074.440', 'end': '1079.120', 'text': "before. For the first time, Bryce didn't"}, {'start': '1077.360', 'end': '1081.280', 'text': 'look like the untouchable king of the'}, {'start': '1079.120', 'end': '1082.799', 'text': 'school. He looked like a man on the'}, {'start': '1081.280', 'end': '1085.440', 'text': 'edge.'}, {'start': '1082.799', 'end': '1088.160', 'text': 'Maya kept walking, trying not to make'}, {'start': '1085.440', 'end': '1089.440', 'text': "eye contact, but Bryce's voice rang out,"}, {'start': '1088.160', 'end': '1092.720', 'text': 'cutting through the chatter in the'}, {'start': '1089.440', 'end': '1095.120', 'text': 'hallway. "Hey, Maya!" she froze, her'}, {'start': '1092.720', 'end': '1097.400', 'text': 'breath catching in her throat. His voice'}, {'start': '1095.120', 'end': '1099.520', 'text': "wasn't taunting this time. It was cold,"}, {'start': '1097.400', 'end': '1101.760', 'text': 'calculated. She could feel the weight of'}, {'start': '1099.520', 'end': '1104.960', 'text': 'his anger pressing down on her like a'}, {'start': '1101.760', 'end': '1107.520', 'text': 'storm ready to break. She turned slowly,'}, {'start': '1104.960', 'end': '1109.919', 'text': 'meeting his gaze for the first time that'}, {'start': '1107.520', 'end': '1111.559', 'text': 'morning. "What do you want, Bryce?" He'}, {'start': '1109.919', 'end': '1113.679', 'text': 'took a step toward her, his face'}, {'start': '1111.559', 'end': '1116.000', 'text': "hardening. You think you're better than"}, {'start': '1113.679', 'end': '1118.400', 'text': 'me, huh? You think you can just make a'}, {'start': '1116.000', 'end': '1122.080', 'text': 'fool out of me and get away with it?'}, {'start': '1118.400', 'end': '1124.640', 'text': "Maya held her ground. I didn't make a"}, {'start': '1122.080', 'end': '1126.320', 'text': 'fool out of you. You did that yourself.'}, {'start': '1124.640', 'end': '1128.720', 'text': "You couldn't handle being put in your"}, {'start': '1126.320', 'end': '1130.400', 'text': 'place. For a brief second, she saw his'}, {'start': '1128.720', 'end': '1133.280', 'text': 'hands twitch like he was ready to'}, {'start': '1130.400', 'end': '1135.120', 'text': "strike. But he didn't. Instead, he"}, {'start': '1133.280', 'end': '1137.840', 'text': 'gritted his teeth and took another step'}, {'start': '1135.120', 'end': '1140.080', 'text': "forward. You don't get it, do you?"}, {'start': '1137.840', 'end': '1142.000', 'text': "People like me don't let people like you"}, {'start': '1140.080', 'end': '1145.360', 'text': "walk all over them. You've made a"}, {'start': '1142.000', 'end': '1147.360', 'text': 'mistake, Maya. A big one. His words were'}, {'start': '1145.360', 'end': '1150.320', 'text': 'low, venomous, and Mia could see the'}, {'start': '1147.360', 'end': '1153.039', 'text': "fire burning behind his eyes. Mia didn't"}, {'start': '1150.320', 'end': '1154.799', 'text': "flinch. You think this is over? It's"}, {'start': '1153.039', 'end': '1157.280', 'text': "just getting started, but don't worry."}, {'start': '1154.799', 'end': '1160.640', 'text': "I'll let you dig your own grave. You"}, {'start': '1157.280', 'end': '1162.799', 'text': "always do. Bryce's eyes narrowed, and"}, {'start': '1160.640', 'end': '1165.679', 'text': 'for a moment, Maya thought he might'}, {'start': '1162.799', 'end': '1168.559', 'text': "actually hit her, but he didn't."}, {'start': '1165.679', 'end': '1170.000', 'text': 'Instead, he turned, his friends'}, {'start': '1168.559', 'end': '1172.480', 'text': 'following him as they walked down the'}, {'start': '1170.000', 'end': '1175.600', 'text': 'hall, their eyes lingering on Maya with'}, {'start': '1172.480', 'end': '1177.039', 'text': 'a mix of anger and confusion. As she'}, {'start': '1175.600', 'end': '1179.600', 'text': 'watched them disappear into the'}, {'start': '1177.039', 'end': '1182.240', 'text': 'distance, Mia felt the anxiety rise in'}, {'start': '1179.600', 'end': '1184.320', 'text': "her chest again. She wasn't scared of"}, {'start': '1182.240', 'end': '1187.039', 'text': 'Bryce, but the thought of what he might'}, {'start': '1184.320', 'end': '1189.320', 'text': 'do next made her stomach churn. Later'}, {'start': '1187.039', 'end': '1191.679', 'text': 'that day, Mia found her locker'}, {'start': '1189.320', 'end': '1193.840', 'text': 'vandalized. Her books were scattered'}, {'start': '1191.679', 'end': '1196.000', 'text': 'across the floor, and the metal door of'}, {'start': '1193.840', 'end': '1199.760', 'text': 'her locker was covered in graffiti,'}, {'start': '1196.000', 'end': '1202.720', 'text': 'slurs, insults, and crude drawings. It'}, {'start': '1199.760', 'end': '1205.280', 'text': "was Bryce's mark, unmistakable. The"}, {'start': '1202.720', 'end': '1206.280', 'text': 'sight made her stomach drop. This was'}, {'start': '1205.280', 'end': '1208.799', 'text': 'his'}, {'start': '1206.280', 'end': '1211.559', 'text': 'retaliation. But instead of reacting,'}, {'start': '1208.799', 'end': '1214.160', 'text': 'Maya did what she did best. She stayed'}, {'start': '1211.559', 'end': '1216.679', 'text': 'calm. She bent down and picked up her'}, {'start': '1214.160', 'end': '1218.880', 'text': 'books, ignoring the eyes of the students'}, {'start': '1216.679', 'end': '1220.880', 'text': "around. She didn't let them see her"}, {'start': '1218.880', 'end': '1223.039', 'text': "shake. She didn't give Bryce the"}, {'start': '1220.880', 'end': '1224.799', 'text': 'satisfaction of seeing her hurt. Her'}, {'start': '1223.039', 'end': '1227.679', 'text': 'mind raced as she stacked her books'}, {'start': '1224.799', 'end': '1229.360', 'text': 'neatly, her heart pounding in her chest.'}, {'start': '1227.679', 'end': '1231.919', 'text': "This wasn't just a petty high school"}, {'start': '1229.360', 'end': '1234.240', 'text': 'prank. This was Bryce telling her that'}, {'start': '1231.919', 'end': '1237.039', 'text': "he wasn't going to stop. This was him"}, {'start': '1234.240', 'end': '1239.679', 'text': 'showing her that he could and would make'}, {'start': '1237.039', 'end': '1243.720', 'text': "her life miserable. But she wasn't going"}, {'start': '1239.679', 'end': '1246.080', 'text': 'to give him that power. Not today. Not'}, {'start': '1243.720', 'end': '1248.559', 'text': 'ever. As she stood up and closed her'}, {'start': '1246.080', 'end': '1250.720', 'text': "locker, she could feel Bryce's eyes on"}, {'start': '1248.559', 'end': '1253.120', 'text': "her. She didn't need to look back to"}, {'start': '1250.720', 'end': '1257.039', 'text': 'know he was watching. And she knew one'}, {'start': '1253.120', 'end': '1259.520', 'text': "thing for sure. This wasn't over. It was"}, {'start': '1257.039', 'end': '1262.080', 'text': 'only just beginning. Later that night,'}, {'start': '1259.520', 'end': '1263.960', 'text': 'Maya sat in her room, the weight of the'}, {'start': '1262.080', 'end': '1266.559', 'text': 'day still hanging heavily on her'}, {'start': '1263.960', 'end': '1268.720', 'text': 'shoulders. Her phone buzzed and she'}, {'start': '1266.559', 'end': '1270.440', 'text': 'picked it up, her heart racing as she'}, {'start': '1268.720', 'end': '1274.320', 'text': 'saw a new message from an unknown'}, {'start': '1270.440', 'end': '1276.640', 'text': 'number. The message was a simple text.'}, {'start': '1274.320', 'end': '1279.520', 'text': "You've made a huge mistake. I'll make"}, {'start': '1276.640', 'end': '1282.080', 'text': 'sure everyone knows who you really are.'}, {'start': '1279.520', 'end': '1284.320', 'text': "Maya's breath caught in her throat. The"}, {'start': '1282.080', 'end': '1287.039', 'text': 'message was a direct threat and it made'}, {'start': '1284.320', 'end': '1289.240', 'text': 'her stomach twist with anxiety. She'}, {'start': '1287.039', 'end': '1292.080', 'text': "wasn't just dealing with a school bully"}, {'start': '1289.240', 'end': '1294.480', 'text': 'anymore. Bryce was playing for keeps.'}, {'start': '1292.080', 'end': '1296.799', 'text': "This was a game of power and he wasn't"}, {'start': '1294.480', 'end': '1298.720', 'text': 'going to let her walk away unscathed.'}, {'start': '1296.799', 'end': '1301.039', 'text': 'She gripped her phone tightly, staring'}, {'start': '1298.720', 'end': '1303.919', 'text': 'at the message. She had a choice to'}, {'start': '1301.039', 'end': '1306.240', 'text': 'make. She could back down, retreat into'}, {'start': '1303.919', 'end': '1309.200', 'text': 'the shadows, and let Bryce continue to'}, {'start': '1306.240', 'end': '1312.000', 'text': 'control her life. Or she could stand'}, {'start': '1309.200', 'end': '1314.480', 'text': 'tall and face him head on. Mia knew the'}, {'start': '1312.000', 'end': '1316.880', 'text': "answer. She wasn't going to let him win."}, {'start': '1314.480', 'end': '1320.240', 'text': "And this time, she wasn't going to fight"}, {'start': '1316.880', 'end': '1322.960', 'text': "alone. The final confrontation. Maya's"}, {'start': '1320.240', 'end': '1324.799', 'text': 'moment of truth. The school bell rang,'}, {'start': '1322.960', 'end': '1327.440', 'text': 'signaling the start of another day. But'}, {'start': '1324.799', 'end': '1329.840', 'text': 'to Maya, it felt like the calm before'}, {'start': '1327.440', 'end': '1331.640', 'text': 'the storm. She had known for days that'}, {'start': '1329.840', 'end': '1334.720', 'text': 'the situation with Bryce would only'}, {'start': '1331.640', 'end': '1336.520', 'text': "escalate. What she didn't know was how"}, {'start': '1334.720', 'end': '1338.880', 'text': 'far he would go to take back his'}, {'start': '1336.520', 'end': '1340.720', 'text': 'control. The haunting message she had'}, {'start': '1338.880', 'end': '1343.600', 'text': 'received the night before weighed'}, {'start': '1340.720', 'end': '1346.559', 'text': "heavily on her mind. I'll make sure"}, {'start': '1343.600', 'end': '1348.400', 'text': 'everyone knows who you really are. As'}, {'start': '1346.559', 'end': '1350.360', 'text': 'she walked through the school doors,'}, {'start': '1348.400', 'end': '1352.720', 'text': "Maya couldn't shake the tension in her"}, {'start': '1350.360', 'end': '1354.720', 'text': 'body. Every student in the hallway'}, {'start': '1352.720', 'end': '1356.880', 'text': 'seemed to stare a little longer, whisper'}, {'start': '1354.720', 'end': '1359.360', 'text': 'a little louder. She could feel their'}, {'start': '1356.880', 'end': '1362.400', 'text': 'eyes on her. the mixture of curiosity'}, {'start': '1359.360', 'end': '1364.000', 'text': 'and judgment in their gazes. It was like'}, {'start': '1362.400', 'end': '1366.799', 'text': 'she had become the subject of an'}, {'start': '1364.000', 'end': '1369.679', 'text': 'unspoken game. The girl who dared stand'}, {'start': '1366.799', 'end': '1371.000', 'text': 'up to Bryce Carter, the untouchable king'}, {'start': '1369.679', 'end': '1373.440', 'text': 'of Clear View'}, {'start': '1371.000', 'end': '1375.440', 'text': 'high. Maya walked through the hallways'}, {'start': '1373.440', 'end': '1379.360', 'text': 'with purpose, keeping her head held'}, {'start': '1375.440', 'end': '1382.159', 'text': 'high. But inside, her heart was beating'}, {'start': '1379.360', 'end': '1384.559', 'text': "faster than ever. She could feel Bryce's"}, {'start': '1382.159', 'end': '1386.960', 'text': 'presence before she even saw him. It was'}, {'start': '1384.559', 'end': '1389.440', 'text': 'like a shadow that lingered, a reminder'}, {'start': '1386.960', 'end': '1392.320', 'text': 'that he was always watching, always'}, {'start': '1389.440', 'end': '1394.320', 'text': "waiting for her to slip up. She didn't"}, {'start': '1392.320', 'end': '1395.960', 'text': 'want to look back, but when she passed'}, {'start': '1394.320', 'end': '1399.039', 'text': "by his locker, she couldn't help"}, {'start': '1395.960', 'end': '1400.960', 'text': 'herself. There he was, Bryce, leaning'}, {'start': '1399.039', 'end': '1403.840', 'text': 'against the metal lockers with his usual'}, {'start': '1400.960', 'end': '1407.000', 'text': 'smug grin. His eyes locked onto hers the'}, {'start': '1403.840', 'end': '1409.120', 'text': 'moment she passed by, his gaze sharp,'}, {'start': '1407.000', 'end': '1410.960', 'text': 'piercing. For a moment, everything'}, {'start': '1409.120', 'end': '1413.360', 'text': 'around her seemed to fade into the'}, {'start': '1410.960', 'end': '1415.440', 'text': 'background. There was only Bryce and the'}, {'start': '1413.360', 'end': '1417.360', 'text': 'growing tension between them. She could'}, {'start': '1415.440', 'end': '1419.880', 'text': 'feel his gaze on her back as she walked'}, {'start': '1417.360', 'end': '1423.400', 'text': 'past, but this time something in her'}, {'start': '1419.880', 'end': '1425.840', 'text': "shifted. She wasn't afraid. She wasn't"}, {'start': '1423.400', 'end': '1427.520', 'text': 'intimidated. Bryce called out to her,'}, {'start': '1425.840', 'end': '1431.200', 'text': 'his voice cutting through the hum of the'}, {'start': '1427.520', 'end': '1432.880', 'text': 'hallway. Maya, he sneered. You really'}, {'start': '1431.200', 'end': '1434.960', 'text': 'think you can just mess with me and get'}, {'start': '1432.880', 'end': '1437.840', 'text': "away with it? Do you think you're better"}, {'start': '1434.960', 'end': '1439.360', 'text': 'than me? Maya stopped, her body rigid'}, {'start': '1437.840', 'end': '1443.120', 'text': 'with the tension she had been holding'}, {'start': '1439.360', 'end': '1446.320', 'text': 'in. She turned slowly, her gaze meeting'}, {'start': '1443.120', 'end': '1449.760', 'text': 'his, steady and unflinching. She could'}, {'start': '1446.320', 'end': '1452.640', 'text': 'see it in his eyes. He was cornered. The'}, {'start': '1449.760', 'end': '1454.880', 'text': 'power he had once, wielded so easily,'}, {'start': '1452.640', 'end': '1457.279', 'text': 'was slipping through his fingers, and it'}, {'start': '1454.880', 'end': '1459.919', 'text': 'made him dangerous. He was desperate'}, {'start': '1457.279', 'end': '1463.200', 'text': "now, angry, but Maya wasn't going to let"}, {'start': '1459.919', 'end': '1465.279', 'text': 'him take back control. "Not anymore. I'}, {'start': '1463.200', 'end': '1467.120', 'text': 'don\'t think I\'m better than you," Maya'}, {'start': '1465.279', 'end': '1469.600', 'text': 'said, her voice low, but her words'}, {'start': '1467.120', 'end': '1472.000', 'text': "filled with conviction. I just think I'm"}, {'start': '1469.600', 'end': '1474.320', 'text': "done letting you push me around and I'm"}, {'start': '1472.000', 'end': '1477.840', 'text': 'done playing by your rules. For the'}, {'start': '1474.320', 'end': '1480.080', 'text': 'first time, Bryce faltered. His smile'}, {'start': '1477.840', 'end': '1482.400', 'text': 'dropped, replaced by a look of cold'}, {'start': '1480.080', 'end': '1485.679', 'text': 'fury. His eyes flashed with something'}, {'start': '1482.400', 'end': '1487.520', 'text': 'Maya had never seen before. Uncertainty.'}, {'start': '1485.679', 'end': '1490.400', 'text': "It was as if he didn't know how to react"}, {'start': '1487.520', 'end': '1492.159', 'text': "to someone who wasn't scared of him. The"}, {'start': '1490.400', 'end': '1494.240', 'text': "fact that Maya wasn't trembling before"}, {'start': '1492.159', 'end': '1496.799', 'text': "him, wasn't begging for him to stop,"}, {'start': '1494.240', 'end': '1499.120', 'text': "threw him off balance. Don't make me"}, {'start': '1496.799', 'end': '1501.360', 'text': 'laugh, Bryce growled, taking a step'}, {'start': '1499.120', 'end': '1504.000', 'text': 'toward her. You really think you can'}, {'start': '1501.360', 'end': '1505.919', 'text': "beat me at my own game. Ma's heart"}, {'start': '1504.000', 'end': '1508.080', 'text': 'pounded in her chest, but her voice'}, {'start': '1505.919', 'end': '1510.960', 'text': "remained steady. I'm not playing your"}, {'start': '1508.080', 'end': '1512.720', 'text': 'game, and I never will. Before Bryce'}, {'start': '1510.960', 'end': '1514.720', 'text': 'could respond, Mia turned on her heel'}, {'start': '1512.720', 'end': '1517.279', 'text': "and walked away. But she didn't leave"}, {'start': '1514.720', 'end': '1518.919', 'text': 'with fear or regret. She left with the'}, {'start': '1517.279', 'end': '1522.080', 'text': 'certainty that things were about to'}, {'start': '1518.919', 'end': '1524.400', 'text': 'change. The tension in the air was'}, {'start': '1522.080', 'end': '1526.880', 'text': "thick, but it wasn't just Bryce who felt"}, {'start': '1524.400', 'end': '1529.200', 'text': 'it. The entire school was watching,'}, {'start': '1526.880', 'end': '1531.679', 'text': 'waiting for the next move. By lunch,'}, {'start': '1529.200', 'end': '1533.840', 'text': 'things had escalated. Bryce had made'}, {'start': '1531.679', 'end': '1536.000', 'text': 'sure of it. As Maya entered the'}, {'start': '1533.840', 'end': '1538.320', 'text': 'cafeteria, she immediately felt the eyes'}, {'start': '1536.000', 'end': '1540.720', 'text': 'on her. Whispers followed her every'}, {'start': '1538.320', 'end': '1543.600', 'text': 'step. But there was a new energy in the'}, {'start': '1540.720', 'end': '1545.760', 'text': "air, one that she hadn't felt before."}, {'start': '1543.600', 'end': '1548.240', 'text': "The students around her weren't laughing"}, {'start': '1545.760', 'end': '1550.480', 'text': 'at her. They were watching her, waiting'}, {'start': '1548.240', 'end': '1552.400', 'text': 'for her to make a mistake. Some were'}, {'start': '1550.480', 'end': '1555.039', 'text': 'curious about how this drama would play'}, {'start': '1552.400', 'end': '1557.279', 'text': 'out, while others seemed to be silently'}, {'start': '1555.039', 'end': '1560.120', 'text': 'rooting for her. Maya made her way to'}, {'start': '1557.279', 'end': '1562.559', 'text': 'the lunch line, her head held high. But'}, {'start': '1560.120', 'end': '1564.720', 'text': 'inside, she was bracing herself for the'}, {'start': '1562.559', 'end': '1566.799', 'text': "storm. She didn't know what Bryce had"}, {'start': '1564.720', 'end': '1569.919', 'text': "planned, but she knew he wasn't going to"}, {'start': '1566.799', 'end': '1572.559', 'text': 'let her walk away unscathed. And then'}, {'start': '1569.919', 'end': '1574.640', 'text': 'she saw it. Bryce was sitting at his'}, {'start': '1572.559', 'end': '1577.200', 'text': 'usual table, his friends surrounding'}, {'start': '1574.640', 'end': '1579.840', 'text': 'him. He was watching her, his eyes'}, {'start': '1577.200', 'end': '1581.679', 'text': 'narrowed, and the smirk that had once'}, {'start': '1579.840', 'end': '1584.480', 'text': 'been so full of confidence was now a'}, {'start': '1581.679', 'end': '1587.360', 'text': 'sneer, twisted with frustration. He'}, {'start': '1584.480', 'end': '1589.279', 'text': 'called out to her again, his voice loud,'}, {'start': '1587.360', 'end': '1592.799', 'text': 'making sure everyone in the cafeteria'}, {'start': '1589.279', 'end': '1594.960', 'text': 'could hear. "Hey, Maya!" Bryce shouted.'}, {'start': '1592.799', 'end': '1597.760', 'text': '"You still crying about your little'}, {'start': '1594.960', 'end': '1600.400', 'text': 'locker?" The room fell silent, the'}, {'start': '1597.760', 'end': '1602.159', 'text': 'tension crackling in the air. Maya could'}, {'start': '1600.400', 'end': '1604.880', 'text': 'feel the weight of every pair of eyes on'}, {'start': '1602.159', 'end': '1607.520', 'text': 'her. This was it. This was the moment'}, {'start': '1604.880', 'end': '1610.080', 'text': 'that would define everything. She had to'}, {'start': '1607.520', 'end': '1612.320', 'text': 'choose. She could let Bryce humiliate'}, {'start': '1610.080', 'end': '1614.960', 'text': 'her, let him take the spotlight and drag'}, {'start': '1612.320', 'end': '1616.840', 'text': 'her through the mud, or she could fight'}, {'start': '1614.960', 'end': '1619.679', 'text': "back. She didn't"}, {'start': '1616.840', 'end': '1621.760', 'text': 'hesitate. Maya grabbed her tray, her'}, {'start': '1619.679', 'end': '1624.159', 'text': 'hands steady despite the storm raging'}, {'start': '1621.760', 'end': '1626.320', 'text': 'inside her. She turned and walked toward'}, {'start': '1624.159', 'end': '1628.799', 'text': 'his table, her steps deliberate and'}, {'start': '1626.320', 'end': '1631.039', 'text': 'calm. As she passed by, she caught'}, {'start': '1628.799', 'end': '1633.760', 'text': "Bryce's eye. And this time, she didn't"}, {'start': '1631.039', 'end': '1636.640', 'text': 'look away. She stopped in front of him,'}, {'start': '1633.760', 'end': '1638.559', 'text': 'her heart racing, but her face calm.'}, {'start': '1636.640', 'end': '1641.760', 'text': '"You think you\'re tough, huh?" she'}, {'start': '1638.559', 'end': '1643.600', 'text': 'asked, her voice cool and even. "Just'}, {'start': '1641.760', 'end': '1645.880', 'text': "because you've got a bunch of friends to"}, {'start': '1643.600', 'end': '1648.159', 'text': "back you up. You think you're"}, {'start': '1645.880', 'end': '1650.960', 'text': 'untouchable?" Bryce\'s eyes flickered'}, {'start': '1648.159', 'end': '1653.400', 'text': "with anger, but he didn't speak. The"}, {'start': '1650.960', 'end': '1655.679', 'text': 'crowd around them was dead silent. The'}, {'start': '1653.400', 'end': '1658.799', 'text': 'tension so thick it was almost'}, {'start': '1655.679', 'end': '1660.880', 'text': 'suffocating. Maya leaned in slightly,'}, {'start': '1658.799', 'end': '1662.960', 'text': 'her voice barely above a whisper, but it'}, {'start': '1660.880', 'end': '1664.880', 'text': 'cut through the silence like a knife.'}, {'start': '1662.960', 'end': '1667.080', 'text': 'You keep bringing up my dad, but you'}, {'start': '1664.880', 'end': '1668.960', 'text': "don't get it. You're not the one who's"}, {'start': '1667.080', 'end': '1671.679', 'text': "untouchable. You're the one who's"}, {'start': '1668.960', 'end': '1673.200', 'text': "scared. You're scared of losing. You're"}, {'start': '1671.679', 'end': '1675.840', 'text': 'scared of not being the center of'}, {'start': '1673.200', 'end': '1678.640', 'text': "attention anymore. And that's why you"}, {'start': '1675.840', 'end': '1681.120', 'text': "keep pushing. You don't know what it's"}, {'start': '1678.640', 'end': '1683.679', 'text': 'like to be vulnerable, to be real. You'}, {'start': '1681.120', 'end': '1685.840', 'text': "don't know how to lose. Bryce's jaw"}, {'start': '1683.679', 'end': '1688.080', 'text': 'clenched, and for a moment, Mia thought'}, {'start': '1685.840', 'end': '1689.919', 'text': 'he might snap. His hands were curled'}, {'start': '1688.080', 'end': '1692.320', 'text': 'into fists, his knuckles turning white,'}, {'start': '1689.919', 'end': '1695.360', 'text': "but he didn't strike her. He just stared"}, {'start': '1692.320', 'end': '1698.320', 'text': 'at her, his face contorted with rage.'}, {'start': '1695.360', 'end': '1701.360', 'text': '"You don\'t know me," he spat. "You think'}, {'start': '1698.320', 'end': '1704.559', 'text': 'you\'ve won? You\'re nothing." Maya shook'}, {'start': '1701.360', 'end': '1706.799', 'text': 'her head slowly. "I think you\'re the one'}, {'start': '1704.559', 'end': '1709.679', 'text': "who's nothing, and that's what scares"}, {'start': '1706.799', 'end': '1712.240', 'text': 'you." The words hung in the air, and for'}, {'start': '1709.679', 'end': '1715.520', 'text': 'the first time, Maya saw it. the crack'}, {'start': '1712.240', 'end': '1718.600', 'text': "in Bryce's armor. The smirk was gone,"}, {'start': '1715.520', 'end': '1720.880', 'text': 'replaced by something more raw, more'}, {'start': '1718.600', 'end': '1723.200', 'text': 'vulnerable. And just as quickly as it'}, {'start': '1720.880', 'end': '1725.600', 'text': 'appeared, it disappeared, replaced by'}, {'start': '1723.200', 'end': '1728.320', 'text': 'the arrogant, cruel Bryce that Maya had'}, {'start': '1725.600', 'end': '1731.320', 'text': 'come to know all too well. Without'}, {'start': '1728.320', 'end': '1734.200', 'text': 'another word, Maya turned and walked'}, {'start': '1731.320', 'end': '1736.960', 'text': 'away. This time, there was no'}, {'start': '1734.200', 'end': '1740.000', 'text': "hesitation. She didn't need to prove"}, {'start': '1736.960', 'end': '1741.919', 'text': 'anything to him. The moment had passed.'}, {'start': '1740.000', 'end': '1744.640', 'text': 'That afternoon when Maya was walking to'}, {'start': '1741.919', 'end': '1746.840', 'text': 'her locker, she found it. This time it'}, {'start': '1744.640', 'end': '1750.000', 'text': "wasn't vandalism. It was something"}, {'start': '1746.840', 'end': '1751.960', 'text': 'worse. A picture of her captured during'}, {'start': '1750.000', 'end': '1754.399', 'text': 'her confrontation with Bryce in the'}, {'start': '1751.960', 'end': '1757.360', 'text': 'cafeteria had been plastered all over'}, {'start': '1754.399', 'end': '1759.480', 'text': 'the school with a caption reading, "The'}, {'start': '1757.360', 'end': '1761.880', 'text': "girl who thinks she's better than the"}, {'start': '1759.480', 'end': '1764.960', 'text': 'king." Maya\'s stomach'}, {'start': '1761.880', 'end': '1767.279', 'text': 'turned. Bryce had turned the year tables'}, {'start': '1764.960', 'end': '1769.120', 'text': 'again, but this time something was'}, {'start': '1767.279', 'end': '1771.039', 'text': "different. The students weren't"}, {'start': '1769.120', 'end': '1773.919', 'text': 'laughing. They were looking at her with'}, {'start': '1771.039', 'end': '1776.480', 'text': 'a mixture of respect and curiosity. And'}, {'start': '1773.919', 'end': '1779.039', 'text': 'as Maya stood there facing the crowd,'}, {'start': '1776.480', 'end': '1781.760', 'text': 'she realized the truth. This was no'}, {'start': '1779.039', 'end': '1784.880', 'text': "longer about Bryce. It wasn't about his"}, {'start': '1781.760', 'end': '1786.960', 'text': 'power. It was about hers. The power to'}, {'start': '1784.880', 'end': '1789.440', 'text': 'stand tall in the face of everything he'}, {'start': '1786.960', 'end': '1791.200', 'text': 'threw at her. The power to remain calm'}, {'start': '1789.440', 'end': '1793.919', 'text': 'when the world around her seemed to be'}, {'start': '1791.200', 'end': '1795.520', 'text': 'falling apart. The power to keep going'}, {'start': '1793.919', 'end': '1797.840', 'text': 'when it seemed like there was nothing'}, {'start': '1795.520', 'end': '1800.240', 'text': 'left to fight for.'}, {'start': '1797.840', 'end': '1802.000', 'text': "Maya wasn't the same girl who had walked"}, {'start': '1800.240', 'end': '1805.039', 'text': 'into Clear View High just a few days'}, {'start': '1802.000', 'end': '1808.880', 'text': 'ago. She had changed. And as she stared'}, {'start': '1805.039', 'end': '1811.480', 'text': 'at the crowd, she knew it. She had won.'}, {'start': '1808.880', 'end': '1813.919', 'text': 'The final act, victory beyond the'}, {'start': '1811.480', 'end': '1816.080', 'text': 'surface. The last few weeks had felt'}, {'start': '1813.919', 'end': '1818.799', 'text': 'like a blur of tension, confrontation,'}, {'start': '1816.080', 'end': '1821.039', 'text': 'and survival. Maya had fought harder'}, {'start': '1818.799', 'end': '1823.600', 'text': 'than she ever thought she could, not'}, {'start': '1821.039', 'end': '1825.440', 'text': 'with her fists, but with her mind and'}, {'start': '1823.600', 'end': '1827.919', 'text': 'her resolve.'}, {'start': '1825.440', 'end': '1830.320', 'text': 'Bryce Carter, the untouchable king of'}, {'start': '1827.919', 'end': '1832.799', 'text': 'Clear View High, had tried everything to'}, {'start': '1830.320', 'end': '1835.440', 'text': 'break her. He used intimidation,'}, {'start': '1832.799', 'end': '1838.000', 'text': 'humiliation, and fear. But Maya stood'}, {'start': '1835.440', 'end': '1840.559', 'text': 'tall through it all, never once losing'}, {'start': '1838.000', 'end': '1842.720', 'text': 'her sense of self. As the final bell'}, {'start': '1840.559', 'end': '1844.880', 'text': 'rang on the last day of the semester,'}, {'start': '1842.720', 'end': '1846.559', 'text': 'Maya stood in front of her locker, her'}, {'start': '1844.880', 'end': '1849.039', 'text': 'fingers running over the familiar'}, {'start': '1846.559', 'end': '1851.120', 'text': 'combination lock. The school year was'}, {'start': '1849.039', 'end': '1854.240', 'text': 'over, but the battle she had fought was'}, {'start': '1851.120', 'end': '1856.080', 'text': 'far from forgotten. She had won, not'}, {'start': '1854.240', 'end': '1858.559', 'text': 'because she had defeated Bryce in some'}, {'start': '1856.080', 'end': '1861.679', 'text': 'dramatic showdown, but because she had'}, {'start': '1858.559', 'end': '1864.799', 'text': 'refused to let him or anyone else define'}, {'start': '1861.679', 'end': '1866.640', 'text': 'her. The whispers had stopped. The'}, {'start': '1864.799', 'end': '1869.600', 'text': 'students who once gossiped behind her'}, {'start': '1866.640', 'end': '1872.399', 'text': 'back were now giving her space, but also'}, {'start': '1869.600', 'end': '1874.720', 'text': "a certain respect. Maya knew it wasn't"}, {'start': '1872.399', 'end': '1876.640', 'text': 'about the status she had gained. It was'}, {'start': '1874.720', 'end': '1879.440', 'text': 'about the quiet strength she had found'}, {'start': '1876.640', 'end': '1882.640', 'text': "within herself. Bryce's power, built on"}, {'start': '1879.440', 'end': '1884.960', 'text': 'fear and intimidation, had been broken,'}, {'start': '1882.640', 'end': '1887.679', 'text': 'not by her actions alone, but by his own'}, {'start': '1884.960', 'end': '1889.679', 'text': 'inability to keep control. His attempt'}, {'start': '1887.679', 'end': '1892.640', 'text': 'to make her the joke had only turned the'}, {'start': '1889.679', 'end': '1895.840', 'text': 'spotlight on himself. Maya knew what she'}, {'start': '1892.640', 'end': '1898.320', 'text': 'had done. She had never needed to prove'}, {'start': '1895.840', 'end': '1901.200', 'text': 'anything. In the face of every obstacle,'}, {'start': '1898.320', 'end': '1903.679', 'text': 'she had remained steady, unshaken. She'}, {'start': '1901.200', 'end': '1905.279', 'text': "didn't need the world's validation. She"}, {'start': '1903.679', 'end': '1908.240', 'text': 'had learned that the most important'}, {'start': '1905.279', 'end': '1910.880', 'text': 'thing was her own belief in who she was.'}, {'start': '1908.240', 'end': '1913.120', 'text': 'And that belief had carried her through'}, {'start': '1910.880', 'end': '1915.600', 'text': 'the storm. As she walked through the'}, {'start': '1913.120', 'end': '1918.880', 'text': 'hallways one last time, the weight she'}, {'start': '1915.600', 'end': '1920.559', 'text': 'had carried for so long seemed to lift.'}, {'start': '1918.880', 'end': '1923.360', 'text': 'There was no more uncertainty hanging'}, {'start': '1920.559', 'end': '1925.600', 'text': 'over her. There was no more fear. Maya'}, {'start': '1923.360', 'end': '1928.000', 'text': 'had proven that power built on fear was'}, {'start': '1925.600', 'end': '1930.799', 'text': 'never lasting. She had exposed it for'}, {'start': '1928.000', 'end': '1932.279', 'text': 'what it was, empty, fragile, and'}, {'start': '1930.799', 'end': '1934.240', 'text': 'ultimately'}, {'start': '1932.279', 'end': '1937.519', 'text': 'self-destructive. It was a quiet'}, {'start': '1934.240', 'end': '1940.000', 'text': 'victory, but a victory nonetheless. At'}, {'start': '1937.519', 'end': '1942.080', 'text': 'the end of the hallway, she spotted Vin,'}, {'start': '1940.000', 'end': '1944.559', 'text': 'leaning casually against the wall with a'}, {'start': '1942.080', 'end': '1946.880', 'text': 'small smile on his face. He had been'}, {'start': '1944.559', 'end': '1948.799', 'text': 'there for her when she needed him most,'}, {'start': '1946.880', 'end': '1951.039', 'text': 'not with answers, but with the steady'}, {'start': '1948.799', 'end': '1953.840', 'text': 'presence of someone who believed in her,'}, {'start': '1951.039', 'end': '1955.360', 'text': 'even when she doubted herself. He had'}, {'start': '1953.840', 'end': '1958.480', 'text': 'never pushed her to do anything she'}, {'start': '1955.360', 'end': '1960.480', 'text': "wasn't ready for. But when the time"}, {'start': '1958.480', 'end': '1962.880', 'text': 'came, he had given her the tools to take'}, {'start': '1960.480', 'end': '1966.080', 'text': 'control of her own life. She approached'}, {'start': '1962.880', 'end': '1968.799', 'text': 'him. Her steps lighter now, you know,'}, {'start': '1966.080', 'end': '1971.200', 'text': 'Vin said as she got closer. I knew you'}, {'start': '1968.799', 'end': '1973.320', 'text': "had it in you. The world doesn't expect"}, {'start': '1971.200', 'end': '1976.799', 'text': 'people like you to stand up and say'}, {'start': '1973.320', 'end': '1979.200', 'text': 'enough, but you did. Maya smiled, her'}, {'start': '1976.799', 'end': '1982.000', 'text': 'heart full of gratitude for the support'}, {'start': '1979.200', 'end': '1984.399', 'text': "he had given her. I didn't realize how"}, {'start': '1982.000', 'end': '1987.120', 'text': "strong I was until I had to be. You're"}, {'start': '1984.399', 'end': '1990.240', 'text': 'stronger than you think, Vin said, his'}, {'start': '1987.120', 'end': '1992.720', 'text': 'eyes meeting hers with quiet pride. And'}, {'start': '1990.240', 'end': '1994.440', 'text': "sometimes that's all you need to realize"}, {'start': '1992.720', 'end': '1997.279', 'text': "that you've always had the strength"}, {'start': '1994.440', 'end': '2000.480', 'text': 'inside. Maya nodded, looking around the'}, {'start': '1997.279', 'end': '2003.360', 'text': 'hallway one last time. The air felt'}, {'start': '2000.480', 'end': '2005.760', 'text': 'different now, lighter, more open. It'}, {'start': '2003.360', 'end': '2008.640', 'text': 'was as if a chapter had ended, and a new'}, {'start': '2005.760', 'end': '2011.200', 'text': 'one was ready to begin.'}, {'start': '2008.640', 'end': '2013.360', 'text': 'Back at home that evening, Maya sat at'}, {'start': '2011.200', 'end': '2015.799', 'text': 'the kitchen table, her mom sitting'}, {'start': '2013.360', 'end': '2018.399', 'text': 'across from her, watching her with an'}, {'start': '2015.799', 'end': '2020.640', 'text': 'understanding smile. Rachel had been'}, {'start': '2018.399', 'end': '2023.679', 'text': 'worried about her at first, especially'}, {'start': '2020.640', 'end': '2026.320', 'text': 'after the locker incident. But now she'}, {'start': '2023.679', 'end': '2029.919', 'text': 'could see the change in her daughter.'}, {'start': '2026.320', 'end': '2032.480', 'text': 'Mom, Maya said, breaking the silence. I'}, {'start': '2029.919', 'end': '2035.360', 'text': "didn't just stand up to Bryce. I"}, {'start': '2032.480', 'end': '2037.760', 'text': "realized something. I don't need to"}, {'start': '2035.360', 'end': '2040.399', 'text': "prove myself to anyone. I don't need to"}, {'start': '2037.760', 'end': '2043.000', 'text': 'fight every battle. What matters is that'}, {'start': '2040.399', 'end': '2046.320', 'text': "I'm true to myself. That's all that"}, {'start': '2043.000', 'end': '2049.040', 'text': 'matters. Rachel smiled warmly, proud of'}, {'start': '2046.320', 'end': '2051.280', 'text': 'the person her daughter had become.'}, {'start': '2049.040', 'end': '2053.359', 'text': "You've always been true to yourself,"}, {'start': '2051.280', 'end': '2056.320', 'text': 'Maya. Sometimes it just takes a while'}, {'start': '2053.359', 'end': '2058.320', 'text': 'for others to see it. That night, as Mia'}, {'start': '2056.320', 'end': '2060.159', 'text': 'lay in bed, she thought back to'}, {'start': '2058.320', 'end': '2063.119', 'text': 'everything that had happened. The'}, {'start': '2060.159', 'end': '2065.839', 'text': 'bullying, the humiliation, the threats.'}, {'start': '2063.119', 'end': '2068.399', 'text': 'They had all been a test. a test of her'}, {'start': '2065.839', 'end': '2072.399', 'text': 'character, of her resilience, of her'}, {'start': '2068.399', 'end': '2075.359', 'text': 'ability to rise above the noise. And she'}, {'start': '2072.399', 'end': '2077.919', 'text': 'had passed. She had proven that no one,'}, {'start': '2075.359', 'end': '2080.879', 'text': 'no bully, no popular kid, no king of the'}, {'start': '2077.919', 'end': '2082.639', 'text': 'school, could ever take away her worth.'}, {'start': '2080.879', 'end': '2085.599', 'text': 'She was more than the labels that others'}, {'start': '2082.639', 'end': '2088.000', 'text': 'put on her. She was Maya Williams, a'}, {'start': '2085.599', 'end': '2089.839', 'text': 'girl who stood up when it mattered most,'}, {'start': '2088.000', 'end': '2091.679', 'text': 'who stayed true to herself when the'}, {'start': '2089.839', 'end': '2094.720', 'text': 'world tried to make her fit into its'}, {'start': '2091.679', 'end': '2097.400', 'text': 'mold. And in the end, Maya knew that'}, {'start': '2094.720', 'end': '2099.680', 'text': "Bryce's downfall hadn't been about her"}, {'start': '2097.400', 'end': '2102.160', 'text': 'winning. It was about him losing'}, {'start': '2099.680', 'end': '2104.440', 'text': 'everything he thought he had. His power'}, {'start': '2102.160', 'end': '2107.599', 'text': 'over others had been built on lies and'}, {'start': '2104.440', 'end': '2109.320', 'text': 'fear. And in the end, he was the one'}, {'start': '2107.599', 'end': '2112.720', 'text': 'left standing'}, {'start': '2109.320', 'end': '2115.760', 'text': 'alone. Maya closed her eyes, letting the'}, {'start': '2112.720', 'end': '2118.000', 'text': 'peace settle over her. She had faced her'}, {'start': '2115.760', 'end': '2120.800', 'text': 'greatest fear and come out stronger on'}, {'start': '2118.000', 'end': '2122.760', 'text': 'the other side. The future was hers now,'}, {'start': '2120.800', 'end': '2126.079', 'text': 'and she was ready for whatever came'}, {'start': '2122.760', 'end': '2128.720', 'text': 'next. With her head held high, Maya had'}, {'start': '2126.079', 'end': '2131.839', 'text': 'learned the greatest lesson of all. True'}, {'start': '2128.720', 'end': '2133.680', 'text': "strength isn't about defeating others."}, {'start': '2131.839', 'end': '2136.240', 'text': "It's about finding the strength within"}, {'start': '2133.680', 'end': '2139.200', 'text': 'yourself to never let anyone define you.'}, {'start': '2136.240', 'end': '2141.680', 'text': 'And with that, she knew nothing, not'}, {'start': '2139.200', 'end': '2144.720', 'text': 'even the loudest bully, could ever take'}, {'start': '2141.680', 'end': '2144.720', 'text': 'that away.'}]