“Sam, Jesse, pick your teams!” bellowed Mr Cook. James hoped with everything in him that maybe this time one of them would pick him. He hated being picked last every time. James was never good in sport and was at the bottom of the social rank… definitely not an obvious choice for either team. He knew he was different.
One by one they first picked their friends, then the other popular kids. Like every other time, James was left standing. “I hate this,” he mumbled to himself, hoping that the ground would open up and swallow him.
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Stark, but compassionate look at one of the most difficult aspects of growing up – being an outsider. Beautifully told in a few well-chosen words; speaks to people of all ages.
Thank you for your kind words. It’s very encouraging.
Poor guy. His story makes me want to cry. Childhood can be such a traumatic time. Good writing and a great picture.
Fuji, I don’t think that kids even realise how they can hurt each other by not including them. It is not just bullying that is hurtful, but also excluding people. I agree, it can be very traumatic. Thank you for your comment.
Children can be so cruel. It’s a wise teacher who picks random teams. Well done.
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I agree, Carrie. It will save a lot of heartache and embarrassment.
This story goes straight to the heart Marianna. I agree with Carrie, the teacher should choose, that would save a lot of heartache. Nicely done.
Thank you, Linda. I think it happens too often that kids are being excluded for being different or uncool. Thank you for commenting.
This story touches my heart. I know how it feels to be unwanted. To be the least on the choices. But a good thing to me is I never experienced it in school but it was during my 24 years old when I am crazy in love with a person who fell in love with another woman.
It is a terrible feeling to feel rejected, Lotchie. Sadly, it happens too often in schools and of course later in life too! It is not nice at all.
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Yes, I agree, Marianna, it is not nice at all.
Hello Marianna – this story touches on a deep part of childhood – feeling left out, unwanted. You wrote with great understanding, using the 100 words with skill. Very moving and realistic.
Julie, thank you so much for your kind feedback, I appreciate it!
Lets hope when he grew up Marianna, he became a successful person in life, and being left out made him stronger.
Thank you for your comment, Eric! Yes, I hope that this would be the case for all children going through the trauma of being rejected.
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Such a touching story, however, it does happen a lot in schools. We must continue to put a stop to this. Great story!
Hi Daisy, thank you very much for your comment. Yes, sadly this happens too often in schools.
I remember this feeling, it’s a cruel one, but teachers should do something about it. Nice piece!
Thank you for your comment, Brigitta. Yes, I’ve been there too and it is embarrassing and unpleasant being picked last. Maybe the teachers and parents and those with influence in young people’s lives could encourage empathy and looking out for those who are usually left out.
You are touching something important here, Marianna, which, I think, we all have experienced in some way or other. I think we all have a James inside us, feeling different and rejected by someone or even several people at some point in our life. Even if teachers ought to change this kind of selection of teams, the experience can come later, for example in the way Lotchie writes. It can be very traumatic, but in some cases, the experience can be used in a beneficial way, forcing oneself into putting one’s energy and spiritual efforts into a different field, with a deeper value than to be a decent football player. Of course, it’s difficult for a young boy to accept that kind of reasoning.
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I couldn’t agree more, Christer. I like the idea of how the protagonist could use his experience in a beneficial way, going forward.
Sadly, I remember all too well that feeling of being the last to be picked 🙁 Very well written, Marianna. I hoped for James at the beginning, then felt that sinking feeling as the story progressed… very realistic.
Thank you for your comment, Sandra. Yes, sadly it seldom changes for a child who is hopeful that things would be different this time. Thank you for reading.
This is a beautifully written story, Marianna. Congratulations on your win!
Thanks so much, Julie!
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Congratulations, Marianna.
Thank you, Lotchie! I appreciate it.
You’re welcome, Marianna. I am happy for you.
Congratulations Marianna, as I already commented, a story that really pulls at the heartstrings. Really pleased for you.
Thank you very much, Linda! Your comment means a lot to me.
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Congratulations Marianna, it sounds as though a lot of us on this site have experienced this. Perhaps that’s why we have turned to writing, an activity that we can do alone!
Thank you, Carrie! Yes, I absolutely agree with you. Thank you very much for your comment. It’s much appreciated.
Congratulations, Marianna. Your story touched us all.
Thank you for your kind words, Fuji! I appreciate it.
Hooray! James was chosen this time! Congratulations, Marianna 🙂 Well deserved for a story that really touched me and so many others.
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Thank you Sandra, your comment made me smile! I appreciate your comment and I’m glad you liked the story.
Congratulations, Marianna. You deserved your prize with your heartfelt story.
Thank you very much Christer, I appreciate it!