As I stood in front of my mirror my heart raced and I cried in disgust. No matter how many times I see my reflection I felt like throwing a punch. My spots that are a color lighter than my actual skin, scatter my skin like firecrackers exposing my hideous body. My mother always tried to comfort me but her words never crossed me. So I lived as a plastic, I put on make up and avoid water.
Walking into my first class I noticed a new kid sitting in a seat next to mine. I gave a good look at him and noticed that he had no hair instead a cap sat on his head. I shrugged at his appearance and thought of it as a new look and continued my day. As lunch rolled around I took my lunch from the cafeteria and sat at a secluded spot next to the school. It wasn't prohibited but hidden.
I heard crying in the distance and I followed the cries. I saw the same boy sitting against a wall sobbing. I approached him slowly and asked if he was okay. After a surprised gasp he nodded. Then I asked if he wanted to talk about it. He looked at me with skeptical eyes. I assured him that I'm here to listen. He sighed and nodded. He explained that he had brain cancer. Causing him to loose all of his hair and to need help doing many things. He told me how much it hurt knowing he will die soon and there's nothing no one can do.
I listened to all of it. I realized I'm not the only one going through the pain of being different. At least he showed the world how different he really was.
As days turned to months we saw our friendship turn stronger, but I also saw him become weaker. My heart ached for him every time I sat through one of his appointments. I tried to make his world worth living. Until one night had to change it all.
I cried, holding on to his lifeless hand. After months of our bond becoming stronger it all vanished in a blink of an eye. Now he's gone but the memories remain. As I hear the sirens in the distance and the crying of parents I realize something. We were brought here looking different, we aren't supposed to blend in but stand out.
Wearing all black and crying silent tears I show the world my real self, flaws and all. I help others that are afraid of who they are and help them live with confidence. I live life knowing I look different but I continue living to the fullest.
