50 Bite-sized stories

IX : I am more

"There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more." - Robert M. Hensel

I tapped my good  foot anxiously on the crystal clear floor of the waiting room. I didn't know how I looked. My curly hair were probably dancing around and my freckles must be showing. I quickly grabbed the hand mirror and anxiously peered at my reflection.

My lips were red, probably because I had been chewing on them for too long. Immediately, I released them from the cage of my pearly white teeth. 

"Be ready, Michael." The kind lady with the collar mic told me. "You're up next."

I nodded and quickly adjusted my hair one last time before tossing the mirror back inside.

I tried to get up and she rushed to help me. But I stopped her with my palm. I did not need pity.

"I got it." I grunted and got up with the help of my crutches. 

She nodded and led me to a dark room where the only source of light was the one seeping through the door's hinges. 

I rested my back on the wall as my heart thumped in the confines of my chest.

I had always been mocked. Always called disabled. Just because I needed crutches.

To me, I was never once incapable of doing anything. And that's what mom told me.

I closed my eyes as the memories flooded in.

"What's wrong, love? Why're you crying?" She asked.

"They beat me up again.." The child sobbed. "Why am I like this, mom? Why...?"

She frowned and ruffled my hair. "Who told you this?"

"Everybody.." The child whispered.

"And why does that matter?!" She exclaimed and held his shoulders firmly. "What people say should not matter to you! You are so beautiful and don't let anybody make you think otherwise! Tell me, what did I ask you to always remember?"

"T-to always give my best no matter what."

"And?" 

"And that I am just as capable and worthy as anybody else.." He mumbled. 

She smiled and kissed the top of his head. "And there is no other you in this world."

I took a deep breath. This was it. This was my chance to prove to the world that I am no less.

The doors opened and the announcer's voice echoed. "Now, playing the guitar, we have Michael Walter!"

Cheers and claps sounded as I took careful steps up the stage. Please don't fall now. 

I successfully climbed the glossy stairs and was ascorted by the host to the centre stage. I had my head down the entire time. I lifted it up slightly as the spotlight was on me. Various eyes looked at me. I don't know what they thought of me but I was beginning to feel uneasy. I quickly averted my gaze to my lap as someone handed me the guitar.

I adjusted the instrument and gave a few practice strums and the crowd was silent. 

"Get started already!" Someone shouted and I felt my heart racing as my lips quivered.

You can do this.

I slowly tapped my foot on the glistening stage in a rhythm.

Then, I mustered all the courage I had in me and began playing.

I didn't know how engrossed I was and I only realized I was performing on stage when I heard several claps in the rhythm of my strumming and people humming to the tune.

Bringing my fingers to a gentle stop, I gave a long ending note. The entire audience became silent and I anxiously fiddled with my fingers.

However, as soon as I began to lose my confidence, the entire crowd erupted in cheers!

People began tossing roses on the stage and I could barely contain my happiness at the burst of love that everyone was showing me. My brother, Eli, quickly made his way up the stage and rushed over to me. 

I yelped in suprise as the crutches fell out of my grasp. Before I knew it, I was sitting on his shoulders and he urged me to wave at the crowd.

I blushed a little and waved at the audience as people shouted. "Once more! Once more!"

Then, I saw her and smiled.

And while the crowd gawked at me, I only looked at her.

My mom, my strength.

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Hi there! 

This is the 9th part! I would really appreciate if you took your time to vote and comment. <3

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