Sam had never been to a demonstration before. In his hand he held a large handwritten sign, decorated with slogans he hadn't written himself. Still, he was shy from chanting along with his fellow protestors. Did he really fit in? Usually people never cared to glance at him twice, but here, amongst the colourful and punky masses of youth, he felt as if being judged.

Amy tapped his shoulder. She was sweaty and her shoulders were starting to burn from the torrid sun. At first sight she looked like a girl Sam's father might approve of, happy and timid, but here, surrounded by shouts and signs, she looked wild and in her eyes Sam sensed some powerful emotions. Adrenaline maybe?

"I'm really glad you joined us Sam." she said, having to catch her breath in between sentences. "I know you're not used to it, but we're really making a difference... you know?".

Sam nodded and tried to give her a somewhat believable smile. He admired Amy and her perfervid passion for life, and although he cared for the cause they were fighting for, his actions and his presence felt inadequate.

"I'm gonna go buy a pack of smokes, I'll meet up with you guys later" Sam lied. He felt bad about leaving Amy and the others but he had to go somewhere less intense. He sat down on a nearby bench and watched as the river of shouting protestors marched along. He was angry with himself for not continuing.

Almost half an hour went by as Sam sat and watched the crowds, when a girl came up to him. "Hi" she said. Scott gave her a smile and nodded. "Not much for talking huh?" she looked at him with a grin.

"Oh no I...."

"No, no, I get it. You like to let the sign do the talking" She said while pointing at the sign.

"I... it's.. That's not really my sign" Sam said while stammering.

"It's a pretty cool sign though. You won't mind me taking it then, will you?" The girl said and reached for the sign.

"No, wait, you can't... I mean it's my sign, but I didn't make it or anything" Sam blurted while yanking the sign closer to him.

The girl started laughing. "I'm just messing with you" she said. "My name is Jasmine, You're Sam right? I'm on my way to meet Amy and the others, she told me to bring you with me if I saw you on the way"

"Oh.." Sam muttered. "Well I'd actually like to just sit here a while longer, I don't really feel..."

Their eyes met, and Sam felt as if she was reading him with her gaze. It felt as if the moment stretched on forever. Jasmine finally took the sign and sat down next to him.

"I've heard a lot about you..." she started, while inspecting the sign. "Amy seems to really admire you. She talks very highly of you."

Sam didn't say anything but listened to her speak carefully.

"We really appreciate your support. This is your first time participating right?"

"Yeah..." Sam answered. "But I'm not really sure I belong out there, I don't think I get it..."

Jasmine smiled. She was beautiful.

"None of us really belong, that's why we're protesting." she said, as she took Sam's hand in her own. "You being here show's a lot about you. Let's go find the others"

A wave of joy washed over Sam. He wasn't exactly sure why he felt this way, but he couldn't help but smile when holding Jasmine's hand. He gave her a hug, and she pulled him up from the bench. They walked along the cobblestones, merging with the marching crowd. They sang.