FADE IN:
EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - MORNING
The sun rises over a suburban elementary school. Students gather at the front, talking and laughing, backpacks slung over their shoulders. A bell rings, signaling the start of a new school year.
NARRATOR (V.O.) The start of fifth grade is always a mix of excitement and nerves. New teachers, new classmates, new routines. But this year, something different awaited me.
We see PATRICK (10), a quiet, introspective boy, standing in line with his classmates. He scans the crowd, taking in the familiar faces, as well as a few new ones. His eyes land on ROBBIE (11), a small, wiry boy with a confident swagger despite his short stature.
NARRATOR (V.O.) Robbie was a year older than everyone else in our class, yet at least eight inches shorter. He had this way of moving through the school that seemed almost magical to us kids, like he had some secret pass that none of us knew about.
Robbie walks past a group of students, waving casually as he makes his way to the front of the school. Teachers nod at him, letting him leave class early without question.
NARRATOR (V.O.) Robbie got to leave class early and go pretty much wherever he wanted. As a kid, I didn't understand why. I just thought it was cool.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
The classroom is buzzing with the energy of a new school year. MRS. THOMPSON, a warm but no-nonsense teacher in her early 40s, stands at the front of the room. She writes on the chalkboard as the students settle in.
MRS. THOMPSON Alright, class. Before we start, we need a volunteer to help Robbie this year. Any takers?
Several hands shoot up, including Patrick's. Robbie, sitting near the back, scans the room. He smiles when he sees Patrick's hand raised, and points at him with a grin.
NARRATOR (V.O.) Every year, Robbie picked a kid from the class to walk him to the clinic, the lunchroom, or wherever he needed to go. This year, he chose me.
Robbie waves at Patrick, who hesitates for a moment before following him out of the classroom. Patrick's face is a mix of surprise and pride as he trails behind Robbie.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Robbie leads the way down the hall, his footsteps light and quick. Patrick follows a few steps behind, unsure of what to say.
ROBBIE I'm Robbie.
He flashes a toothy grin, revealing multiple metal caps on his teeth. Patrick looks at him, a bit awkward but trying to be friendly.
PATRICK I'm Patrick.
Robbie nods, unfazed by Patrick's shyness.
ROBBIE I just have to go to the clinic and take my medicine this time. Later we'll get snacks.
PATRICK Snacks? Who gives you snacks?
ROBBIE Everyone, but we'll get it from the clinic. Ms. Pat gives me candy.
They continue walking down the hallway, passing other students who give Robbie friendly nods. Patrick glances around, feeling like he's part of something special.
INT. SCHOOL CLINIC - MOMENTS LATER
The clinic is bright and clean, with posters of healthy eating and smiling kids on the walls. The NURSE, MS. PAT, greets Robbie with a wide smile as they enter.
YOU ARE READING
Hey Robbie
Non-FictionHey Robbie is a nostalgic coming-of-age drama that follows Patrick, a quiet fifth-grader, as he navigates a new school year and forms an unexpected bond with Robbie, an older yet much smaller boy in his class who exudes confidence despite his differ...
