The Unseen Child

Recognition and Support

Jayn found solace in her counselling sessions with Mrs Rodriguez, a warm and empathetic listener who created a safe space for her to open up. The cosy talks helped her understand others better, something she is struggling to know. In the comfortable, dimly lit room, Mrs Rodriguez showed Jayn a series of pictures, each depicting a different facial expression. "Today, let's discuss facial expressions, Jayn," Mrs Rodriguez said, her voice gentle and soothing. "Can you identify what this person is feeling?" she asked, pointing to a picture of a smiling face with crinkled eyes.

"Happy?" Jayn replied, her voice hesitant, unsure if she was correct. She looked up at Mrs Rodriguez, seeking reassurance. Mrs Rodriguez nodded encouragingly, her eyes warm with understanding.

"Exactly! You're absolutely right," Mrs Rodriguez said, smiling. "And what about this one?" she asked, showing another picture, this one with a furrowed brow and pursed lips. "Look closely at the eyes and mouth. What do you think this person is feeling?"

"Sad...or maybe angry?" Jayn said, unsure, her brow furrowed in concentration. She tilted her head, studying the picture. Mrs Rodriguez nodded again, her expression supportive.

"That's correct! It can be both. People's emotions can be complex, like a mix of feelings all at once," Mrs Rodriguez explained, her hands gesturing. "You know, Jayn, feelings are like colors. Sometimes they're bright and vibrant, and sometimes they're dull and muted. But they're always there, swirling inside us. Just like how we can have different colors in a painting, we can have different emotions inside us."

Jayn nodded, taking it all in. She loved how Mrs Rodriguez made feelings seem like a beautiful painting, full of depth and meaning.

In Mathematics class, Jayn excelled, consistently scoring high marks on her tests and exams, often nearing or getting full marks. Her teacher, Ms How, often asked her to help weaker students, which Jayn gladly did. "You're a natural teacher, Jayn," Ms How said, beaming with pride. "Your patience and understanding are remarkable. You have a gift for explaining complex concepts simply, making them easy to understand. You break down problems into smaller, manageable pieces, and your examples are always relatable."

Jayn's classmates nodded in agreement, grateful for her help. She made mathematics seem fun and accessible, like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Her teaching style was clear and concise, with a dash of creativity. She used real-life examples, making the concepts more relatable.

Jayn blushed, her eyes cast down, her voice barely audible. "Thanks, Ms How."

Ms How nodded, her eyes shining with appreciation. "Keep up the good work, Jayn. You're a natural teacher."

But at home, however, Jayn felt neglected, especially by her mother, who doted on Danny. "Danny, your artwork is amazing! You're so talented! Your teacher must be crazy to not give you an A..." her mother then went on and on about how Danny's teacher did not know how to appreciate art. As she spoke, she waved a piece of drawing up and down. Jayn peeped at the picture, it looked like some weird-looking monsters are drawn and painted. On the corner of the artwork was 3 letters Z-O-O. Jayn tried to hold back a laugh.

"I got a high score on my math test," Jayn said, trying to get her attention. Her mother barely acknowledged her, focusing on Danny's artwork.

"Oh, that's nice. Why is it not full marks? And how about your English?" her mother replied, still admiring Danny's 'masterpiece'. Jayn felt a pang of disappointment. Her mother often focused on her English grades, criticising her constantly. Jayn felt like she was living in a shadow, unseen and unheard.

Jessie, Jayn's older sister, had learned how to navigate their mother's criticisms and expectations. As the oldest, Jessie had figured out how to get more from their mother - more attention, more allowance, and more freedom. She knew exactly what to say and do to get what she wanted.

Jessie would often play on their mother's sympathies, making her feel guilty for not doing enough for her. She would complain about how hard her life was, how stressed she was with school and extracurricular activities, and how she needed more support and resources. Their mother would fall for it every time, giving Jessie more money, more attention, and more leniency.

Jayn watched in awe as Jessie manipulated their mother with ease. She didn't know how to do it herself, and she felt like she was always getting the short end of the stick. While Jessie got away with things, Jayn was always being criticised and corrected.

Their mother would often compare Jayn to Jessie, saying, "Why can't you be more like your sister? She's so responsible and successful." Jayn felt like she could never measure up, like she was always falling short.

But what their mother didn't realize was that Jessie was not as perfect as she seemed. She had learned how to put on a good show, how to pretend to be something she wasn't. Behind closed doors, Jessie was a different person. She was rebellious and reckless, pushing boundaries and taking risks. She had even tried smoking (even though she was still underage), and had gotten away with it.

Jayn had caught her sister smoking in the bathroom, but Jessie had threatened her, saying, "If you tell mom, I'll deny it and she'll believe me, not you. And I'll say that you are the one smoking." Jayn was terrified of her sister's wrath, so she kept quiet.

Jessie's behaviour was a cry for attention, a desperate attempt to assert her independence and individuality. But it was also a dangerous game, one that could get her into serious trouble. Jayn worried about her sister, but she didn't know how to stop her.

Their mother was oblivious to Jessie's antics, too caught up in her giving Danny the best to notice. She was so focused on criticising Jayn that she didn't see the real issues with Jessie. Jayn felt like she was living in a world of double standards, where Jessie was allowed to get away with everything while she was constantly criticised.

Jayn wished she could be seen and heard, but she felt invisible and ignored. She was tired of living in Jessie's shadow, tired of being compared and criticised. She wanted to be recognized for who she was, not constantly judged and found wanting.

Jayn felt like she was living in Danny's shadow, but at school, she shone bright. Her classmates admired her intelligence and kindness, seeking her help and guidance.

"Hey, Jayn, can you help me with this math problem?" her classmate asked. Jayn smiled, happy to assist.

"Of course!" Jayn replied, smiling. "Let's work through it together." Her classmate nodded, grateful for her help.

In another counseling session, Mrs Rodriguez explored Jayn's feelings further. "Can you tell me more about what you're feeling, Jayn?" she asked, her voice gentle and soothing.

Jayn hesitated, unsure how to express herself. "I just feel like I'm not good enough," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs Rodriguez nodded encouragingly. "What makes you feel that way, Jayn?"

Jayn took a deep breath. "My mother always criticises me. She says I'm not good at English, that I'm not fluent enough."

"And how does that make you feel?" Mrs Rodriguez asked, her eyes warm with understanding.

Jayn's eyes welled up with tears. "I...I...I'm not good enough. I'm a failure."

Mrs Rodriguez handed Jayn a box of tissues. "You're not a failure, Jayn. You're a bright and talented student. Your Mathematics teacher, Ms How, speaks highly of you."

But that didn't console Jayn much.

"I don't want to go home, Mrs Rodriguez," Jayn confided, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes welling up with tears. "I am so happy here. I feel...I feel invisible at home. Maybe nobody will notice if I disappear."

"You are loved, Jayn," Mrs Rodriguez reassured her, her voice warm and comforting. "Your teachers care about you deeply. Remember, you have a support system here. We're always here for you, no matter what. You're not alone, Jayn." Mrs Rodriguez handed Jayn a box of tissues. "And I'm sure your mother loves you. She just doesn't know how to show it." But Jayn remained uncertain, her heart heavy with doubt, wondering if her mother's love was genuine, or just a distant, unattainable dream. She felt lost and confused, unsure if she would ever find the love and acceptance she so desperately craved from her mother, her heart aching with a deep sadness and longing.