Chapter 18: The Breaking Point

Chapter 18: The Breaking Point

Liam watched Maya pace outside the principal's office, frustration evident in every movement.

"What happened?" he asked as she finally stormed out.

"They said we need to 'respect school policies' and that we can't make changes without approval. But that's the problem! They never approve anything!" Maya huffed, crossing her arms.

"So what do we do now?" Liam asked.

Maya exhaled sharply. "We don't stop. If they won't listen to us, we make sure people outside the school do."

She started reaching out to local environmental organizations, writing an open letter to the school board, and even contacting a local news station. The more she fought, the more pushback she received from the administration. Teachers warned her to be careful. Chloe told her to slow down before she got in serious trouble.

"Maya, I love what you're doing, but don't let it consume you," Chloe said one afternoon. "You're already losing sleep over this."

Maya rubbed her tired eyes. "If I stop now, it'll all be for nothing."

"That's not true," Liam said gently. "But you have to take care of yourself too."

Maya wanted to argue, but deep down, she knew they were right.

Meanwhile, Liam continued preparing for the talent show. One evening, Ethan convinced him to play in front of a small group at his house party.

"It's just a few people," Ethan assured him. "Think of it as practice."

Liam took a deep breath and stepped up, gripping his guitar. His heart pounded as he started playing, but as the melody filled the room, he realized something—he wasn't as scared as he thought he'd be.

Maybe he really could do this.