INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Students are bustling in the hallway. JANE (16, Slovenian-American) is standing alone at her locker, organizing her books. She overhears faint whispers from a group of students nearby. WHISPERING STUDENT 1 (viciously) Hey, have you seen Jane lately? WHISPERING STUDENT 2 (laughing) Oh yeah, the Slovenian chick? She's such a weirdo. I can't believe she even speaks English. JANE's expression changes, hurt and anger crossing her face. She closes her locker and walks towards them. JANE (firmly, confronting them) Excuse me? Did I just hear you talking about me? The WHISPERING STUDENTS freeze, the second student looks guilty. WHISPERING STUDENT 2 (stammering) Uh... Jane, we didn't mean-- JANE (cutting them off) Save it. I heard the racial slurs. Do you think it's funny to make fun of someone's ethnicity? WHISPERING STUDENT 1 (defensively) No, Jane, it was just a joke... We didn't think you'd hear... JANE (angry) Well, newsflash, I can hear just fine. And let me tell you, it's not a joke to me. It's hurtful. It's disrespectful. WHISPERING STUDENT 2 (apologetically) Jane, we never wanted to hurt you. We were just being stupid. JANE crosses her arms and takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. JANE (sincerely) Look, I get it. People make mistakes, but that doesn't excuse the hurtful things you said. You should know better than to judge someone based on their ethnicity. WHISPERING STUDENT 1 (regretful) You're right, Jane. We should have never said those things. We're really sorry. JANE (slightly softer) Apology accepted, but I hope you understand the impact of your words. Let's try to be more mindful about what we say. WHISPERING STUDENT 2 (nods) We'll do better, Jane. Thank you for calling us out. They exchange a nod of understanding, and JANE walks away, still hurt but glad the students acknowledged their mistake. FADE OUT.