Book Excerpt from "Inspiring Influence"

Book Excerpt from "Inspiring Influence" (ISBN: 978-1-6671-2690-6)

EXT. – MICHAEL’S FRONT PORCH – AN HOUR LATER

Ty is sitting on a bench. With a pocket knife, he is carving a small piece of wood.

Gabriel walks over. He sits next to Ty.

TY

It's because of you that I'm not full of hate.

GABRIEL

Why do you say that?

TY

You're always extra kind. You always seem to know what to say.

GABRIEL

I don't always know what to say.

TY

It feels like you do. You know me better than anyone ever has. You probably know me better than I know myself.

GABRIEL

I'm glad I could help.

TY

I probably would have hurt someone by now if it wasn't for you.

GABRIEL

Not all abused kids abuse others. Some abused kids become protectors of children.

TY

I'm sure either he was going to kill me soon or I was going to kill him.

GABRIEL

I don't think you have it in you to kill anyone.

TY

I don't know.

GABRIEL

I do.

INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE – AN HOUR LATER

Michael watches as Ty walks over.

TY

I still don’t understand why you adopted me.

TY

(beat)

But thank you.

MICHAEL

You are welcome.

John James walks over.

JOHN JAMES

You were meant to be part of our family.

Gabriel walks over.

GABRIEL

I agree.

Kye and Jye walk over.