In this story, "Slaving To Nightmares." Brendon is a depressed human being that feels like there is no hope in his life of constant bullying, ignoring, rapist uncle's, being beat up, name calling, being disrespected, angry mother's, abusive father's, and much more.
He is ready to give up, but the boy in the art classroom, named Ryan, believes he can help the dark-haired boy with the bruises and cuts.
"It may be hard, but it's worth it."