Just then as the boys were discussing this disappointing event, four teenagers on bikes came driving up slowly. 

“Hey Andy, or whatever your name is,” said one of the Bike Gang boys.  “I’m glad you hit that game winning shot the other day.  It was a great decision to beat the Bike Gang.  Ha-ha.”

All of the Bike Gang members were laughing at this innocent  twelve year old boy who didn’t do anything wrong, and didn’t want anything to do with these bullies.

Eric and Frankie turned to Andrew immediately to defend their friend. 

“All right, enough is enough.  I am going to get my father down here,” said Frankie. 

“No, we can’t bring our Dad’s,” said Eric.  “I will get my older brother Nick.  He is a senior and the captain of the Football team.  These kids will be shaking in their boots, when they see him!”

“No,” said Andrew.  “That isn’t going to solve anything.”

Cautiously, but in a serious manner, Andrew headed for the Bike Gang. 

“What is he doing?” Frankie whispered to Eric.            

“I know you guys are the ones who slit my bicycle tires,” Andrew said firmly.  “I am not going to be bitter about what happened to my bike, because it is just a bike.  I will let you have the best of me by cutting my tire and not even doing anything in return.  I will not do anything back to you not because I am scared of you, but because I know walking away is doing the right thing.  I do not even feel angry towards you guys.”

Andrew’s last words were, thank you for making me stronger, and he quietly walked away with his chin up.