A Wish to Belong

Hula was unique, different. Hula did not belong. 

Hula’s only desire was to belong.

As a newborn, she was found in the desert alone. The scientists finding her, adopted her, but were amazed that she was not burnt by the sun nor harmed by creatures. They were loving but distant; never inspiring a sense of belonging. 

Her first day of kindergarten was her last. The word “Freak” echoed around the playground as her skin and hair burned bluish in the sun. Cornered  by her tormentors like bloodthirsty predators, sparks flew from her fingers. 

From that day on, Hula was home schooled. She home schooled herself. 

Not belonging made her feel awkward and it really hurt. She was lost, mislaid, out of place. After reading Dr. Seuss’ “Sneetches”, Hula concluded that although it was painful not belonging, she would manage.

Like white sequins the swans swam elegantly across the water, but then abruptly viciously attacked the black swan. Hula rushed in, arms flailing and rescued the cygnet whose only crime was being different, not belonging. 

Walking aimlessly through town, she saw some men strike a pathetically thin teenager. Hateful memories of being bullied as a teenager re-emerged. After a flashing display of Krav Maga, Hula walked away with her arms around the albino teen.  

Daydreamily fishing, Hula saw something thrown from the next boat then heard piteous yelping. Hula was horrified; a helpless puppy was being used as bait. Without a thought, she dived into the sea and rescued the pup. While hugging the cross eyed pup, Hula efficiently cut off the fishermen’s curses by damaging their hull with her anchor. 

Over the years, Hula saved many who did not belong. 

A starship landed. Her blue skinned people beckoned her with a promise of belonging. A few minutes later, the starship was just a speck in the evening sky.

To everyone or everything that Hula had saved, she had given a sense of belonging. So Hula knew she could not leave earth. Although she would never belong, Hula realized it was in her to make others feel they belonged.