Apron,” Chad said, sounding a little nervous. “I’ve been…
““Apron,” Chad said, sounding a little nervous. “I’ve been wondering. Do you think you and me would have been friends, if, you know, we were in seventh grade together?” I thought about it for a second. I thought about Rennie and Jenny Pratt making fun of Chad, his swishy way of walking down the halls, and Johnny Berman and Sherman Howl writing faggot on the top of his desk and picking him last for dodge ball. And I thought about how, if I ignored them all and decided to be friends with Chad anyway, he would have been my only one. “Yes,” I nodded. “We’d be friends.” “Yup,” Chad said smiling as far as his cracked lips would let him. “That’s what I think, too.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A teen reflects on potential friendship with a marginalized classmate, confronting bullying and social pressure.
In simple terms: Choosing friendship over bullying is brave.
Key Takeaway
Stand up for inclusive friendships despite peer pressure.
Themes
friendship
bullying
social pressure
acceptance
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- school environment
- peer groups
- personal growth
Key Concepts
adolescence
empathy
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you support a marginalized peer?
- What risks do you face when defying group norms?
A Different Perspective
Friendship decisions are complex and can be risky.