INT. CLASSROOM – DAY
The classroom is nearly empty. MR. THOMPSON, a kind but firm high school teacher in his 40s, is organizing papers at his desk. JASON, 16, walks up hesitantly, holding his test.
JASON
(quietly)
Mr. Thompson… Can I talk to you for a second?
MR. THOMPSON
(looks up, smiles)
Of course, Jason. Everything okay?
JASON
(sighs, showing him the test)
I got a D. I studied all night. I really tried this time. But I still failed.
Maybe I’m just… not smart enough.
Mr. Thompson puts down his pen and looks at Jason seriously.
MR. THOMPSON
Jason, do you know how many times I failed when I was your age?
Jason looks up, surprised.
MR. THOMPSON (CONT’D)
More times than I can count. But the only difference between me back then and me now… is I never gave up.
Failing doesn’t mean you’re not smart. It means you’re still learning.
Jason nods slowly, unsure.
MR. THOMPSON (CONT’D)
Let me help you. Come in tomorrow after school. We’ll go over this together.
You’re not failing—you’re growing.
Jason smiles, a little hope returning to his eyes.
