Concealed
I am sure nobody has ever been alright on their first day of senior year in high school. I am no exception, except my anxiety is probably a thousand times more than an average student’s. Racing heart? Check. Fast breathing? Check. Fumbling steps? Check.
Walking into the new school, I pull the sleeves of my shirt, bringing the hem up to my fingers. I repeat my mantra in my head: Do not let them see. Do not let them know.
The day ends smoothly; nobody bullies me, nobody calls me a freak, and nobody sees it. Instead, I make new friends, but again, you never know.
One day down, about 364 more to go.
The next day, I walk to class, my eyes on the white and blue floor tiles. Do not let them see. Do not let them know. Do not – Slam! I crash into a solid wall, lose my balance, and fall. Ugh! Could this be more embarrassing? It turns out to be mortifying.
The solid wall – Mr. Smith – gasps as his eyes fall on the raised scars on my wrist. I quickly pull the sleeve lower and look away.
“Ms. Johnson, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking.” My eyes focus on my boots.
“I’d like a word with you. Let’s go to my office.”
I silently follow, digging my fingers in my fist, the slight pain from my nails not even registering in my mind. I tried. I tried to stay away from their judgement. Moving, changing schools, it was all for nothing. They saw. They know.
“Please take a seat.” His voice breaks through my thoughts. “Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Miller is the school therapist. I would like you to schedule an appointment with her.”
And that is how my life changes a second time, but this time, it is for the better.
About 364 days later, on my first day of college, I am nervous. My heart races, but my chin is up. My breathing is fast, but my lips curve in a smile. I am alright.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleGreat story about resilience! The first paragraph was also my experience in senior high. You’re so talented!
Thank you 🙂
I think about the times I have had to step into the Great Unknown. It was never as bad as I first thought and here it is in your story – but my chin is up – you made it. I liked your story very much. It is a true… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you. Glad to hear you think so.
I think this story can reach every reader! It’s so bittersweet and inspirational.
I’m very happy to know you think so.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love how you made the situation relatable. So many of us have gone through similar emotions although this person clearly has a more difficult situation to deal with. I like how you repeated the 364 days and gave a good but realistic ending.
Thank you : ) Glad to hear you can relate.
Your story is very relatable. I am glad you were resilient till the end.
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What a beautifully crafted story. You get a real sense of how your character’s confidence grows over the period of the story. A very satisfying read.
Thank you : ) I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI am happy to see that the “like” I put in for your story changed the number from 364 to 365, just like the number of days between the beginning and the end of your story. I especially like the elements of surprise in it. The solid wall turns out… Read more »
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Nothing makes me happier than to know that readers like yourself truly understand my story and appreciate it.
This story is from May but I remembered reading it a short while ago and came back because it really stood out to me. I love this one! I could almost feel the anxiety in your character’s head, and the “I am alright” in the end. Your story is an… Read more »
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A powerful story that cannot help but stir the emotions with an ending that was reassuring. A really good read.
Congratulations again for this another win, Shreya. It is a very relatable and inspiring story. You are so talented in writing.
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