A seemingly slow week quickly shifted to the most eventful week in *James Carter's* life. Sitting down in his dad's car, *James* tells his dad to drive him to the [[Front of the School]] / [[Side of the School]]As James's dad begins to drive him to the front of the school, *James* begins to anticipate seeing his friends *Luis Quintin*, *Sebastian Peyton*, and Sebastian's girlfriend *Sandra Gale* after the weekend. James' dad pulls up to the corner and slows down [[Step Out of the Car]]As James's dad begins to drive him to the side of the school, *James* begins to anticipate seeing his girlfriend, *Nichole Viviana*, after the weekend. James' dad pulls up to the corner and slows down [[Get Out of the Car]]*James* begins to walk over to *Nichole* after he waved goodbye to his dad. On his way, *James* sees his friend *Sebastian Peyton* with his girlfriend *Sandra Gale*. [[Slowly Go Past Them]] / [[Talk to them]]*James* sneaks by *Sebastian* and *Sandra* because he wants to talk to *Nichole*. *James* approaches *Nichole* and [[Talk to Nichole]] / [[Suggests to Walk Over to their Friends]] *James* approaches *Sebastian* and *Sandra*. They see him and wave. *James* waves back. They greet each other and begin to talk how their weekend was. [[Suggest to Walk Over to Nichole]] / [[Continue to Talk with Them]]*James* compliments *Nichole's* outfit and they talk about how their weekend went. Later, the first bell rings and they start to walk to their class. On their way, all of their friends come together. Everyone is talking in the conversation except for Luis Quintin, as he was always the shy one of the group. [[1st Period Biology]]*Nichole* and *James* walk over to *Sebastian* and *Sandra*. They begin to talk about how their weekend went. Later, the first bell rings and they start to walk to their class. On their way, all of their friends come together. Everyone is talking in the conversation except for *Luis Quintin*, as he was always the shy one of the group. [[1st Period Biology]]Everyone in the class made their way to their assigned seats while *Mrs. Hart* prepared her lesson plan for the period. *Mrs. Hart* always starts her lesson by asking a random question. "Does anyone know why the color of our blood is red? she asked." [[Why?]]*Sebastian*, *Sandra*, and *James* walk over to *Nichole* and hug each other. *James* compliments *Nichole's* outfit. Later, the first bell rings and they start to walk to their class. On their way, all of their friends come together. Everyone is talking in the conversation except for *Luis Quintin*, as he was always the shy one of the group. [[1st Period Biology]]*James* continues to talk to *Sandra* and *Sebastian* instead of going over to *Nichole*. Later, the first bell rings and they start to walk to their class. On their way, all of their friends come together. Everyone is talking in the conversation except for *Luis Quintin*, as he was always the shy one of the group. [[1st Period Biology]]*James* began to walk over to his friends after he waved goodbye to his dad. On his way, *James* sees *Nichole Viviana*, his girlfriend. [[Talk to Nichole]] / [[Continue to Walk Over to His Friends]]*James* approaches *Luis*, *Sandra*, and *Sebastian*. They wave at each other and start a conversation about how their weekend was. Later, the first bell rings and they start to walk to their class. On their way, *Nichole* walks up to *James*. They hug each other and *James* compliments her outfit. Everyone is talking in the conversation except for *Luis*, as he was always the shy one of the group. [[1st Period Biology]]Like always, *Luis* answers, "The color of our blood is red due to the iron present in our blood which forms a ring of atoms called porphyrin, the shape of this structure produces the red color. The shape of the porphyrin is affected by the presence of oxygen in your body." *Sebastian* rolls his eyes and exclaims, "Nerd!" while coughing to play it off. [[Support Luis]] / [[Support Sebastian]]"Hey *Sebastian* that's not cool, why don't you try to answer one of her questions for once? Oh, wait I forgot you don't have a brain larger than a pea." The class began to laugh hysterically while *Sebastian* was embarrassed. [[Pay Attention to the Lesson]]"Yeah *Luis* you are such a nerd whenever you finally decide to talk, like how did you even know that? *Mrs. Hart* hasn't even taught us anything yet." *Luis* stayed quiet while *Sebastian* continued to laugh. [[Pay Attention to the Lesson]] *Mrs. Hart* completely ignored the fact that anything had happened and continued with her presentation. *James* attempts to listen to *Mrs. Hart* but ends up sleeping for the rest of the period. [[Wake Up]]*James* wakes up, packs his bag, and gets ready to walk out. He sees *Sebastian* already walking out of class without him and *Luis* is waiting for him. [[Tell Sebastian to wait for Him]] / [[Let Sebastian Go and Stay with Luis]] "Hey *Sebastian* wait up! I'll be there in a second!" *Sebastian* responds, "*James* I don't really want to hang out right now, I'm going to go with *Sandra*. See you later." [[Walk Out With Luis]]*James* got up and walked towards *Luis*. "Hey, do you know why *Sebastian* left so early?" *Luis* tells *James*, "I don't really want to talk about *Sebastian* right now." *James* says, "Oh ok, yeah let's just go and walk around." [[Walk Out With Luis]]*James* and *Luis* walk out into the hallway. *Luis* begins a conversation, "Hey *James*, do you ever just want to own a gun?" *James* awkwardly replies, "Umm... yeah I guess for self-defense?" "No I mean like just to shoot things you know," *Luis* quickly responds. [[Continue With the Conversation]] / [[Change the Topic]]"Yeah I mean going to the shooting range seems pretty fun," said *James*. *Luis* replies, "Well yeah it could be, but I was thinking more like a final stand in a bank robbery or.." *Nichole* turns the corner in the hallway and interrupts *Luis*, "Hey guys, how's it going? Have you seen *Sebastian* or *Sandra*? I have been looking for you all." [[Reply to Nichole]]"Well, how about we go and find *Nichole* and see what's up with her." *Luis* agrees and they begin to walk down the hallway. They find *Nichole* at the vending machine getting a water bottle. "Hey *Nichole*!" *James* yells. "Oh hi guys, where is *Sebastian* and *Sandra*?" [[Reply to Nichole]] "I don't know where they are, all that I know is that they are most likely together." *Luis* says, "Yeah, they are probably arguing about how bad their relationship has been going haha!" *Nichole* and *James* look at each other weirdly but decide to go on with it. [[Try to Find Sebastian and Sandra]]"Well we can try to look for them at the water fountain, they usually like to hang out around there." *Nichole* replies, "Yeah that's a good idea!" *James*, *Luis*, and *Nichole* make their way to the water fountain but don't see *Sebastian*, however, they find *Sandra*. [[Talk to Sandra]]"*Sandra*!" *Nichole* exclaims while waving at her. *Sandra* rolls her eyes and asks them, "Have you seen *Sebastian* he is supposed to be here by now. He told me he was going to buy a water bottle." *Luis* says, "Haha he lied to you loser, we were just there and I didn't even see him." *Sandra*, *Nichole*, and *James* all look at *Luis* oddly. "We can go back to the vending machines and see if he turns up," said *James*. [[Walk to Vending Machines]]They all walk to the vending machines and only see their classmate *Sam Hunt* buying a water bottle. "Oh hey guys what are you up to?" said *Sam* as he picked up his water bottle. "Lookin' for *Sebastian's* lying butt, have you seen him lately?" *Sam* shook his head and said, "No, but he usually hangs out by the water fountains? Sorry." "Ok, thanks for the info see you around," *James* replied. [[Suggest to Go to the Cafeteria]] / [[Suggest to Go Back to the Water Fountains]]*James* turns towards the group and asks, "Did you all just want to go to the cafeteria?" "Yes I am done looking for *Sebastian* he has annoyed me enough and if he wants to talk to me he can find me," said *Sandra*. "Awww poor baby you are annoyed with your sugar plum?" *Luis* replied. *James* immediately kicked *Luis* to signal him that he went too far. Thankfully *Sandra* didn't pay attention to him and began walking to the cafeteria. [[Walk to the Cafeteria]] *James* turns towards the group and asks, "Want to go back to the water fountain?" "No! Screw *Sebastian*, let's just go to the cafeteria he can search for us instead," *Sandra* cried. "ooh! Dramaaa! ooh!" *Luis* said. *James* elbowed him to stop him from annoying *Sandra*. [[Walk to the Cafeteria]] *Sandra*, *Nichole*, *Luis*, and *James* entered the cafeteria and walked into the line for food. "What are you guys going to get? The special is spaghetti with meatballs," *James* asked. "I'm not going to eat anything I am never hungry," *Luis* answered. "I won't have anything either," said *Sandra*. "I'll just get the special it seems decent," *Nichole* replied. It was your turn in line. [[Get the Special]] / [[Get a Cheeseburger]] "What can I get for you?" asked the lunch lady. "I'll take two specials, one for me and one for her," answered *James*. The lunch lady handed out two specials and *James* gave *Nichole* her meal. "Thanks *James*," *Nichole* said and smiled. "Let's go find a table," said *James*. [[Sit Down At a Table]] "What can I get for you?" asked the lunch lady. "I'll take one special and a cheeseburger; the cheeseburger for me and the special for her," answered *James*. The lunch lady handed out the food and *James* gave *Nichole* her meal. "Thanks *James*," *Nichole* said and smiled. "Let's go find a table," said *James*. [[Sit Down At a Table]] The group sat down at a nearby table. "Does anyone have plans after school?" *James* questioned. "Yeah I am going to head down to the range if you know what I mean," *Luis* said while winking. "Sure... I hope you have fun," answered *James*. [[Ask Sandra]] / [[Ask Nichole]]"Hey *Sandra*, what are you going to do?" asked *James*. "Oh, you know. Probably YELL at *Sebastian* and ask him where the heck he was without me," replied *Sandra*. [[Ask Nichole What Her Plans Are]]"*Nichole*. What are your plans?" questioned *James*. *Nichole* sighed, "Ugh I have a stupid test for math tomorrow that I need to study for." "Ouch if you want I can come over and test you," *James* replied. "I'll be fine, but thanks for the offer *James*," *Nichole* responded. [[Ask Sandra What Her Plans Are]]"Hey *Sandra*, what are you going to do?" asked *James*. "Oh, you know. Probably YELL at *Sebastian* and ask him where the heck he was without me. If anyone sees him, tell him I am very upset, but anyway, what about you *James*?" replied *Sandra*. [[Answer]]"Eh I don't really know, I am just going to see where the world takes me really," *James* answered. "If you want to join me you can *James* hehe," *Luis* asked. "I'll be fine *Luis*, thank you," *James* said awkwardly. They finished eating their lunch quietly and threw away their trays. [[Lunch Bell Rings]]"*Nichole*. What are your plans?" questioned *James*. *Nichole* sighed, "Ugh I have a stupid test for math tomorrow that I need to study for." "Ouch if you want I can come over and test you," *James* replied. "I'll be fine, but thanks for the offer *James*. What will you do after school?" said *Nichole*. [[Answer]] "Alright, I have English right now so I will see you all later, *Mrs. Falzone* doesn't like anyone being late," said *James*. Everyone said their goodbyes and they all went to their next period. [[English Class]]*James* continued to attend his classes and still had no idea where *Sebastian* was this whole time. The final bell rang and everyone began to make their way out of school. *James* walked out of school and saw *Sebastian* outside sitting down at the curb. [[Approach Sebastian]] "Hey! *Sebastian*!" *James* yelled whilst waving his hand back and forth. *Sebastian* turned around and signaled *James* to sit down. *James* sat down next to *Sebastian*. [[Question Where Sebastian Was]] / [[Let Sebastian Talk First]]"*Sebastian*. Where were you?! *Sandra* is thoroughly upset with you! She was waiting at the fountains until *Nichole*, *Luis*, and I came to help her find you," said *James*. *Sebastian* disregarded what he said and asked, "Have you noticed a change in *Luis's* behavior?" [[Ask Your Question Again]] / [[Answer Sebastian]] "Hey *James*, have you noticed the way *Luis* behaves now. He definitely didn't talk this much, heck he wasn't as weird before. *Luis* is different now. What do you think?" *Sebastian* questioned. [[Answer Sebastian]] "*Sebastian*. Answer my question. Where were you?" *James* demanded. Still, *Sebastian* persisted and said, "Really *James*, haven't you noticed that *Luis* is talking more?" [[Answer Sebastian]]"Yeah, I didn't really start to think about *Luis* until now. Recently, not only did he start to talk more, but he was saying some weird stuff." *Sebastian* agreed and replied, "I don't really know about *Luis* anymore, maybe he just isn't a good influence." [[Agree With Sebastian]] / [[Disagree With Sebastian]] "You know what, you are right Sebastian I don't think I want to hang out with *Luis* anymore. I really only started to talk to him because I saw that he was lonely and I wanted to help him out, but he went too far. I don't think I can support him anymore." *Sebastian* cried, "Finally someone agrees with me! I thought that I was going crazy or something. Well, I am glad you are back buddy. I got to go now, see you later." After saying their goodbyes, *James* and *Sebastian* both left school. [[Continue]]"Really?!? *Sebastian*! I thought you were my friend this whole time, but I guess I was wrong! The fact that you want me to break my friendship with *Luis* just because he is finally being himself is stupid! I can't believe you! Wow, maybe I should just stop being friends with you instead!" *Sebastian* was agitated and quickly yelled, "*James* I am done with you and your crap! Get out of my face! We are not friends! Have fun with your mental friend, you liked him better anyways!" And that was the end of *Sebastian* and *James'* friendship. *James* left school shortly after. [[Next]]After the agreement with *Sebastian*, *James* left *Luis* and continued to go to school for the remainder of the week. It was an average week, however, something life-changing occurs on Friday during lunch. [[Cafeteria]] After the disagreement with *Sebastian*, *James* stayed with *Luis* but left *Sebastian* and continued to go to school for the remainder of the week. It was an average week, however, something life-changing occurs on Friday during lunch. [[Lunchroom]] *James* was sitting down with his girlfriend *Nichole*, *Sebastian*, and *Sandra* eating his special while *Luis* was nowhere to be found. "I wonder where the *Luis* dweeb is, I didn't see him in Bio earlier today," said *Sandra*. *Sebastian* responded with, "Who cares? He was lucky to even hang out with us if it weren't for *James*." [[Respond]]*James* was sitting down with his girlfriend *Nichole*, eating his special while *Luis*, *Sebastian*, and *Sandra* were nowhere to be found. "I wonder where the old group is, I didn't see any of them in Bio earlier today," said *Nichole*. *James* responded with, "Yeah, but I am happy it is just the two of us anyways. *Sebastian* just turned into a jerk and tried to ruin my life, but I think I did the right thing." [[Nichole's Response]]"I don't know where *Luis* is but again, the only reason I wanted to hang out with his was because he was lonely and I felt bad for him," said *James*. "*James* I want you to know that you did everything you could have for *Luis*, but it just didn't work out," *Nichole* responded. "Thanks *Nichole*," *James* said while smiling. Lunch was normal until *Luis* turned the corner entering the cafeteria. [[Progress]] *James* saw *Luis* wearing a large trench coat but decided to avoid eye contact and eat his lunch. *James* suspected nothing because it was snowing outside and temperatures were dropping rapidly until suddenly. "HEY *JAMES*! HAHAHA! LOOK AT THIS!" *Luis* said while pulling out a pistol. "YOU MAKE SUCH A GOOD TARGET *JAMES*! YOU HAVE NO HEART JUST LIKE THOSE DUMMIES THEY SELL AT THE RANGE!" *Luis* continued. [[Talk Luis Out of It]] / [[Stay Quiet]]"WAIT! Think about what you are doing *Luis* this is insane! After all, I did for you this is how you are going to return the favor?" "ALL YOU DID?! You ruined my life *James*, I thought I could trust you!" *Luis* quickly yelled. *Luis* aimed the pistol at *James* while everyone scrambled for cover. "HANG ON! *Luis* listen to me!" cried *Sebastian*. "Oh now what!" *Luis* exclaimed. [[Pay Attention]]"Nothing to say eh is that right *James*?! Are you too scared?! YOU WOULDN'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE LONELY!" exclaimed *Luis*. *Luis* aimed the pistol at *James* while everyone scrambled for cover. "HANG ON! *Luis* listen to me!" cried *Sebastian*. "Oh now what!" *Luis* screeched. [[Pay Attention]]"*James* only tried to help you *Luis*! He saw that you were lonely and had no friends! If it hadn't been for *James*, you wouldn't have even been friends with us! *James* did all he could but you were unstable and we didn't have any other options! LISTEN *LUIS* PLEASE LISTEN! Put the gun down!" *Sebastian* shrieked. *Luis* stared at *Sebastian* while he thought about the situation[[...]]"*Sebastian*. You seem to really like *James*," said Luis. "Of course he is my best friend, I would do anything for him," replied *Sebastian*. "Ok then, we will see about that!" *Luis* said while quickly changing targets to *Sebastian*. "I'm not going to die alone!" *Luis* screeched while he shot *Sebastian* in the head and then with his last bullet, *Luis* shot himself in the brain. [[Run Over to Sebastian]] / [[Run Over to Luis]] *James* ran over to *Sebastian's* body, "Oh *Sebastian* I didn't mean to cause this! I didn't know this was going to happen otherwise I would have stayed away from *Luis*!" *Sandra* came over shortly after, "GET AWAY FROM HIM *JAMES*! GET OUT OF HERE, THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! Oh no *Sebastian* please don't go, we have been through so much together! Please don't let this be the end!" [[Run over to Luis]]*James* ran over to *Luis's* body, "Oh *Luis* what was wrong with you? I thought I really helped you. Did our friendship really mean nothing?" Security came over and told *James* to back off *Luis's* body. [[Run over to Sebastian]]*James* ran over to *Luis's* body, "Oh *Luis* what was wrong with you? I thought I really helped you. Did our friendship really mean nothing?" Security came over and told *James* to back off *Luis's* body. [[Epilogue]] *James* ran over to *Sebastian's* body, "Oh *Sebastian* I didn't mean to cause this! I didn't know this was going to happen otherwise I would have stayed away from *Luis*!" *Sandra* came over shortly after, "GET AWAY FROM HIM *JAMES*! GET OUT OF HERE, THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! Oh no *Sebastian* please don't go, we have been through so much together! Please don't let this be the end of us!" [[Epilogue]]And so both *Sebastian* and *Luis* were confirmed dead and buried at the cemetery. *James* paid his respects to *Sebastian* who was his best friend up to his last moments. *James* continued to attend school and only his girlfriend *Nichole* stayed with him. After *James* graduated and started college, he began to visit the school on the anniversary of when the event occurred. Sometimes *James* wished it was him who had died instead of *Sebastian*[[.]]Gun Violence
-In 2015, **2,824** children age 0 to 19 years died by gunshot and an additional **13,723** were injured
-Increasing in 2016, **4,648** young people ages **10-24** were victims of homicide - an average of **13** each day.
-In states with increased gun availability, death rates from gunshots for children were higher than in states with less availability.
-The vast majority of accidental firearm deaths among children are related to child access to firearms — either self-inflicted or at the hands of another child.
[[Prevention]]"Of course you did the right thing! Just like how you became friends with *Luis*, that was the right thing to do. You gained more friends because of that, they know you are caring." *James* replied with, "Thanks *Nichole*, you are all I could ever ask for." The couple finished their lunch when *Luis* stepped around the corner into the lunchroom. [[Advance]]*James* saw *Luis* wearing a large trench coat but decided to avoid eye contact and throw away his lunch. *James* suspected nothing because it was snowing outside and temperatures were dropping rapidly until suddenly. "HEY *JAMES*! HAHAHA! LOOK AT THIS!" *Luis* said while pulling out a pistol. "YOU MAKE SUCH A GOOD TARGET *JAMES*! YOU HAVE NO HEART JUST LIKE THOSE DUMMIES THEY SELL AT THE RANGE!" *Luis* continued. [[Avoid Talking]] / [[Speak To Luis]]"Nothing to say eh is that right *James*?! Are you too scared?! YOU WOULDN'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE LONELY!" exclaimed *Luis*. *Luis* aimed the pistol at *James* while everyone scrambled for cover. "*JAMES*! Say something to him! Please don't let him do this!" *Nichole* yelled desperately. [[Resume]]"WAIT! Think about what you are doing *Luis* this is insane! After all, I did for you this is how you are going to return the favor?" "ALL YOU DID?! You ruined my life *James*, I thought I could trust you!" *Luis* quickly yelled. *Luis* aimed the pistol at *James* while everyone scrambled for cover. [[Resume]]"*LUIS*! Please! Don't do this! I just tried to help you! I saw that you were shy and lonely so I decided that we could be friends! I did everything for you!" "Ha! You really think I didn't know what your plan was this whole time?!" yelled Luis. "What plan?!" shrieked *James*[[..]] "Stop playing dumb *James*! I know that the only reason you became my friend was to gain POPULARITY! Before you became my friend, barely anyone wanted to hang out with you! Heck, you didn't even have a girlfriend! You knew this was the perfect opportunity to boost your ego!" [[Try To Talk Sense Into Luis]]"*Luis*... No! I would never do this just to boost my ego! That's idiotic! Can't I just help someone out without being accused of something?! Is this really what I deserve?!?!" "I'll give you what you deserve *James*!" As *Luis* said his last words, he shot *James* in his chest. With his final bullet, he ended his own life as well... [[End]]And so *James* was rushed to the hospital from school, however, he bled out on the way. *James* was buried at the cemetery where his family and *Nichole* would pay their respects. After the incident, *Nichole* was left alone and began to develop symptoms of depression, following in the footsteps of *Luis*[[.]]-The U.S. General Accounting Office estimated that 31% of accidental deaths caused by firearms might be prevented with the addition of two devices: a child-proof safety lock and a loading indicator.
-Support a system of background checks for all firearms transactions.
-Support efforts to improve mental health services
-Support limits on access to high-capacity magazines and assault-style weaponry.
-Support censoring and clarification discussion about the presence of firearms in homes.
[[Resources]]“Gun Violence.” Center for Injury Research and Prevention, 18 Dec. 2018, injury.research.chop.edu/violence-prevention-initiative/types-violence-involving-youth/gun-violence.
“Gun Violence: Facts and Statistics.” Center for Injury Research and Prevention, 11 Oct. 2018, injury.research.chop.edu/violence-prevention-initiative/types-violence-involving-youth/gun-violence/gun-violence-facts-and.
Thank You for Playing!
~Andres Ortiz