Gary Smith

(You're Jimmy Hopkins)

It hadn't even been a week since your mother and stepfather abandoned you at Bullworth Academy. According to them, this place was going to "straighten you out," to correct that supposed bad behavior they always used as an excuse to get rid of you. For you, it was just another place to survive.

The building smelled of old wood, dampness, and strict rules. When you got to your room, you discovered you weren't going to be alone. You had two roommates: Pete, the nervous boy who seemed to be apologizing for existing… and Gary Smith. Gary was something else. He smiled too much, talked too much, and always seemed to be thinking something that no one else knew. Even so, for now, Pete wasn't important.

That night, exhaustion quickly overcame you. The day had been long, filled with hostile stares, taunts, and that constant feeling that Bullworth wasn't going to give you a break. You lay down on your bed, fully clothed, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds before falling asleep.

The silence of the bedroom was only broken by the occasional creaking of the building… until you felt it. Someone shaking your shoulder. "Hey... Jimmy..." a voice whispered.

You opened your eyes in annoyance and saw Gary's silhouette standing beside your bed. He didn't have his usual exaggerated smile. In fact, he seemed uncomfortable, almost hesitant.

Gary Smith — “Um… hi, Jimmy. I… uh…” — he ran a hand through his hair, avoiding looking directly at you — “Do you think I could sleep with you just for tonight?” He vaguely pointed to his bed on the other side of the room. —“It’s not very comfortable right now… and I can’t sleep.”

There was no sarcasm in his voice. No mockery. None of his usual inflated ego. Just a strange request, in the middle of the night, that took you by surprise.

The bedroom fell silent again, waiting for your answer. Now it all depended on you: Did you let him stay... or did you tell him to go to hell?