Work Text:
Robby had to write a final paper for his summer English class. In the beginning, he didn’t know where to start. “Pick an issue to research and write about it” is kind of a broad prompt. He managed to narrow his choices down quickly, though. Robby then selected a topic. He ended up writing about the availability of college scholarships for students from low-income families. Robby researched the hell out of his topic and wrote a paper, but he hated it. He didn’t think it was any good and believed that the paper did the topic justice.
Robby decided that he would ask Miguel to read over his paper for him and make sure that it didn’t suck.
Miguel, of course, did not refuse. He read through all of Robby’s paper for him. Miguel was surprised at how good it was. He had not expected the paper to be as good as it was, considering what everyone thought that they knew about Robby. Robby didn’t usually get good grades in his classes, but Miguel learned when he read Robby’s final paper that Robby’s low grades didn’t necessarily mean that he was stupid.
Robby had difficulty paying attention to his schoolwork and often needed help focusing on what he was supposed to be learning about, unless it really captured his interest. Robby had been bored with school because it was so difficult for him and no one was willing to help him. Robby had even wanted to drop out of school. but now, Robby had the support that he needed and desired nothing more than to succeed at school. This is why he had Miguel check over his essay.
When Robby came back into the room, Robby asked Miguel, “How did you like it?”
Miguel responded by pointing at the screen of the laptop and saying, “That was surprisingly deep. I don’t know why you had problems with it. It’s a good, well-written paper, Robby.”
“Really!?” Robby could not believe that someone thought that his essay was good.
“Yes, really,” Miguel responded, gently hitting Robby on the back of his head. “Now go submit it so we can practice some Karate before dinner.”