Coyote Girl
Can I talk about how much I love this scene?
When a classmate shouts out “Coyote girl,” Devi is visibly uncomfortable. Only Paxton knows the story behind why Devi got so close to the coyote, and how it’s something she worries people would think she’s crazy for in believing it was her dad.
Other people start joining in the cheers, even her friends, but she still seems uncertain whether they are laughing WITH or AT her.
Whether consciously or not, Paxton notices her discomfort, joins her, and actively brings her into the cheers, reassuring her that they are indeed laughing with her. And only then does she relax and smile.
Yes, she is smiling in part because Paxton is touching her…because um, hello, it’s PAXTON.
But I have no doubt she’s also smiling because she’s finally able to enjoy this moment. This moment of acceptance and belonging with her peers, about something that she was feeling insecure about. And about something that has felt socially alienating for her, as she is only remembered for being the girl who was paralyzed after her dad died. Here, her grief, though unknown to others around her, led to a moment of connection and inclusion with her peers. And Paxton helped give her this ❤️ but then steps away, so she can enjoy this moment for herself. He supports her in this moment but not in a way that takes the attention away from her. He just helps her feel good about the attention.
And look how happy our girl is ☺️
(Also, side note, look how good a double date between these two couples would be 😍😄 Here. For. It.)
Paxton has so many amazing moments of supporting Devi, showing up for her when others don’t, but I also love this really quiet one that is so easy to miss and around something that he knew was a vulnerable spot for Devi ❤️

















