The school day started like any other, with laughter and the usual buzz.
But by lunchtime, a whisper began to spread.
Some students weren't ready to accept Santa's return or his closeness with Perth.
⸻
Perth noticed the sideways glances, the barely hidden sneers.
One group of boys blocked their path near the lockers.
"Back off, Santa," one sneered, voice low and rough.
Perth stepped forward, fists clenched.
But Santa placed a hand on his arm, calm but firm.
⸻
"I'm fine," Santa wrote on his notebook, voice steady.
The boys scoffed, but before things could escalate, a teacher appeared, breaking the tension.
⸻
Later, Perth and Santa sat beneath their oak tree, catching their breath.
Santa looked at Perth, eyes soft but tired.
"Thanks for standing by me," he wrote.
Perth smiled, brushing Santa's hair back gently.
"We're stronger together."
⸻
From that day, they faced the world side by side — challenges, whispers, and all.
But their bond only grew deeper.
