What If? Talent of Truth

Outcast

My last word was "Goodbye", and I haven't spoken since.

I joined an escalator elementary School. Even then, rumors spread fast. I was either rude or mute, all the rumors said. At home, my parents saw my silence and shrinking emotions. The doctor said it was stress from moving, and that my speech would come back eventually, bringing me friends, and with them, emotion.

My Father quit work, while mom worked later and later. Dad and I grew better at cooking, and at dinner, he told stories that made my lips curve up in a tiny smile, though I never let him see. One day, while we were shopping, we saw mom kissing another man.

Father cried himself to sleep that night, and the next morning left a letter and approved divorce papers on the dining table. I was only seven,and my own mother made me hate woman. They were all the same I thought.

But Dad said to me, "Son, mama was fickle. She would change guys every couple of years. I knew she cheated on me, but she stayed. She even moved with me. But she never really loved anybody. I wish happiness would follow her wherever she goes, even if she never loves a man, and I never love another woman. I will always treat all humans with equal care, but those I love get just a little better. I hope you will strive to be the same, Isaac, and not hate your mom."

And with that, he went to their old room turned his, and I resolved to be like my father. Whether it was a king or a beggar, a parent or a frog, he gave all creatures equal treatment. He had proven this countless times. He had infinite patience, a forgiving heart, and a friendly personality. I couldn't change my personality, otherwise my annoying talent could interfere, but I would strive to be everything else.