"I am being bullied. For a year now, I have been bullied. That's why Penny suddenly asks to go to school to stop the bullying."
Slater's voice echoed, caressing his own ears. His knees felt soft upon realizing his confession. His breath even hitched for a second, shocked that this day had come.
Never in his imagination had he ever imagined telling his parents about the bullying. In fact, he wanted to keep it to his grave. But for some reason, after Penny asked him such a question that didn't incite him to do the "right" thing or what he "should" do, he felt this surge of clarity.
Slater might've been rescued from that situation, but he wasn't completely saved. Unless he was honest, he would still fear that one of these days, Keith would come at him. Or one of these days, another strong person would pick on him and Penny would have to save him again.