“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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Voice-Team
Voice-Team(@voice-team)
Admin
1 year ago

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.

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
1 year ago

Poor guy. His story makes me want to cry. Childhood can be such a traumatic time. Good writing and a great picture.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

Children can be so cruel. It’s a wise teacher who picks random teams. Well done.

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

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.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

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.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Marianna Pieterse
1 year ago

Yes, I agree, Marianna, it is not nice at all.

Julie Harris
Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
1 year ago

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.

Eric Radcliffe
Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
1 year ago

Lets hope when he grew up Marianna, he became a successful person in life, and being left out made him stronger.

Daisy Blacklock
Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
1 year ago

Such a touching story, however, it does happen a lot in schools. We must continue to put a stop to this. Great story!

Brigitta Hegyi
Brigitta Hegyi(@brigitta-hegyi)
1 year ago

I remember this feeling, it’s a cruel one, but teachers should do something about it. Nice piece!

Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
1 year ago

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… Read more »

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
1 year ago

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.

Julie Harris
Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
1 year ago

This is a beautifully written story, Marianna. Congratulations on your win!

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Congratulations, Marianna.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Marianna Pieterse
1 year ago

You’re welcome, Marianna. I am happy for you.

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

Congratulations Marianna, as I already commented, a story that really pulls at the heartstrings. Really pleased for you.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

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!

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
1 year ago

Congratulations, Marianna. Your story touched us all.

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
1 year ago

Hooray! James was chosen this time! Congratulations, Marianna 🙂 Well deserved for a story that really touched me and so many others.

Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
1 year ago

Congratulations, Marianna. You deserved your prize with your heartfelt story.

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