It was another miserable and sad day. Ash woke up once again dreading to go to school, she hated being judged and stared at for her disability. After finally sulking, she decided to get ready. Walking to school was always the worst, all the snickering and backbiting purposely made to make her feel horrible. She really wished she could tell her parents, but she didn’t want to worry them. No one was there for Ash and she could tell that people felt embarrassed to be around someone with a disability. Whenever, she was partnered up with someone for projects, they treated her like dirt. She didn’t blame them though. She would love to blend in and not be the odd one out. However, she was the odd one out and there was nothing she could do to change it.
Sitting in the last lesson of the day, Ash felt overjoyed that no one had bothered her that day . Not one single person! It was a miracle. Counting down the seconds 5,4,3,2,1.. the school bell rang. ” Don’t forget to take your books!” the teacher yelled, as all the students dashed out of class. ” Have a good day miss” I said.
It was still shocking to Ash that no one had said anything to her. Maybe they were starting to get used to her? Maybe she was starting to blend in! With a spring in her step, Ash stepped out of the school gates only to hear a group of girls calling her horrible name’s. She couldn’t hold back her tears, they streamed down her face. She felt her cheeks burn red. Ash longed to be normal. She was startled to feel a comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Ruby; one of the popular girls who had never once spoken to Ash. . Ruby felt disgusted at her friends behaviour. She had always felt so sorry for Ash but was scared of being made fun of if she supported her. Ruby’s friends saw her comforting Ash and realised their mistake. They apologised to Ash and they all became good friends. Ash felt tears filling her eyes again, but this time they were tears of happiness and went to hug Ruby so tight.
After this, Ruby and her friends became inseparable from Ash. They all realised that it was so wrong to make fun of someone. We should embrace each other’s differences and wish the best for everyone. Ash had never felt so eager to start her school day, as soon as she entered the gates she was greeted with a warm embrace by her friends. This is all she ever wanted, all she ever wanted were friends who she could rely on and feel safe with.
By Ghazala Bajwa (Cheam Jamaat)
