“This explains it all,” Cap K said, when they were back home. “The reason why Jay bullies people, is because he’s being bullied as well.”
“That’s bull,” Cash said. “He bullies me but I’m not going around harassing anyone.”
Because you know better,” Cap K explained. “This is all he knows. He thinks this is the way the world works. We have to help him.”
“Why?” Cash snorted. “He’s a terrible person.”
“If we don’t, then we’re just as bad as he is.”
“I don’t care,” Cash said. “I’m not doing anything to help that lowlife. He’s made my life a living hell. Why shouldn’t he suffer?”
Cap K looked mortified. “How can you say that?”
“Ag, stop being such a goody two-shoes,” Cash said.
“You wrote me that way!” Cap K protested. “I am an extension of who you are. Deep down, you know that we should help him.”
Cash was irritated. Jay had all but ruined Cash’s life. He terrorized him, made him fear for his life and look like a fool in front of Letti. He didn’t see why he should help someone like that. Jay and Big Vic could both go to hell, for all he cared.
“What do we do?” Cash asked. “Stand up to Big Vic? You’re Captain Kind, not Captain Muscle. And right now you’re acting like Captain Stupid.”
“But in my world–” Cap K started.
“This isn’t your world!” Cash yelled. “This isn’t a comic book. Here, you’ve just got to go along with any crap.”
“But why? Why do that when we can all work together to change the world and make it better?”
“Things aren’t that clear cut. Real life sucks. What you’re saying is impossible. It can never be done.”
“No,” Cap K said. “But you taught me to try at least. Otherwise, what kind of inhumane monsters are we?”
“Funny,” Cash sneered. “I don’t remember writing you a big fat mouth.”
“Cash, please listen to me.”
“No, you listen,” Cash said. “I’m not going back there. And neither are you. That’s an order. You know, I thought you being here was a blessing. But you’re turning out to be a curse.”
“Well, if I’m such a curse, then maybe I should leave!” Cap K exploded.
“What’s stopping you?”
Cap K looked crestfallen. Cash hadn’t meant to say the things he did. He was just livid and still hurting from the humiliation he had just been through with Letti. He immediately felt like taking all his words back, but it was too late.
Cap K took one last look at Cash before he walked out and slammed the door behind him.
***
Tell us: Is Captain Kind right when he says bullies were themselves bullied in their lives? Is it a vicious cycle?