The Unseen Child

Secondary 3

As Jayn stepped into her new Secondary 3 classroom, she was enveloped in a sea of unfamiliar faces. Her classmates, a diverse group of girls from different classes, chatted and laughed with each other, their eyes sparkling with excitement and nervous energy. The room was filled with the sweet scent of freshly sharpened pencils and the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter. Jayn's heart raced as she scanned the room, her eyes searching for a familiar face, but finding none. She felt like a small boat adrift in a stormy sea, uncertain and alone. The classroom was a kaleidoscope of colors, with bright posters and charts adorning the walls, and the warm sunlight streaming through the windows cast a cozy glow over the room. But despite the welcoming atmosphere, Jayn couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider, a stranger in a strange land.

Jayn's exceptional mathematical abilities continued to make waves throughout the school, with teachers and administrators taking notice of her remarkable talent. Her effortless mastery of complex concepts and her ability to solve problems with ease had earned her a reputation as a mathematical prodigy. Her classmates would often gaze in awe as she tackled intricate calculations with the precision of a surgeon. However, her struggles with social interactions and her tendency to get lost in her own world had raised concerns about her wellbeing.

In a cosy room filled with an assortment of toys, books, and a hint of freshly sharpened pencils, Dr Lim, a kind-faced psychologist with a warm and gentle smile, met with Jayn. The soft hum of a clock in the background created a comforting atmosphere, and the warm sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust motes dancing in the air. The room was painted a soothing shade of blue, and the walls were adorned with colourful posters and charts, adding a touch of playfulness to the space.

Jayn fidgeted with her hands, her eyes darting around the room, taking in the shelves filled with books and games, and the small table with a puzzle half-completed. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she greeted Dr Lim, her words hesitant and uncertain. "H-hello."

Dr Lim's gentle demeanour put Jayn at ease, and she began to open up, sharing her thoughts and feelings about school and her love for mathematics. Her words were laced with a quiet intensity, revealing a mind that worked differently. "I just love how numbers fit together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It's like a game, and I can't get enough of it."

Dr Lim listened attentively, her expression thoughtful, as she asked questions, probing gently into Jayn's thoughts and feelings. "That's fascinating, Jayn. Can you tell me more about what you mean by 'pieces of a jigsaw puzzle'?"

Jayn's eyes lit up, and she leaned forward, her voice filled with excitement. "Well, like, when you're solving an equation, each number and symbol has a specific place, and when you put them all together, it creates this beautiful pattern. It's like a work of art, and I feel like I'm the artist, creating something new and amazing."

As the session progressed, Dr Lim observed Jayn's behaviours, taking note of her exceptional attention to detail, her tendency to focus intensely on specific interests, and her difficulties with social cues. The psychologist listened attentively, her expression thoughtful, as she asked questions, probing gently into Jayn's thoughts and feelings.

The room was filled with the soft rustling of papers and the occasional tick of the clock, creating a sense of calm and tranquillity. Dr Lim's words were gentle and encouraging, putting Jayn at ease, and helping her to open up and share her thoughts and feelings. "I see. It sounds like you have a remarkable mind, Jayn. Can you tell me more about what you find challenging in social situations?"

Jayn's eyes dropped, and her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I don't know. I just feel like I don't fit in. Like, I'm always thinking about maths, and I can't seem to connect with others. It's like we're speaking different languages."

Dr Lim's expression was compassionate, and her voice filled with understanding. "I think I understand, Jayn. It can be tough when our interests and strengths set us apart. But that's what makes you special. Your uniqueness is your strength."

As the session drew to a close, Dr Lim summarised her observations, focusing on Jayn's strengths and the support she needed to thrive. Her words were filled with kindness and understanding, and her voice was gentle and reassuring. "Jayn, you have an incredible mind, and we want to help you reach your full potential. We'll work together to find strategies that help you navigate school and social situations more comfortably. You're not alone, and we're here to support you every step of the way."

Jayn nodded, feeling a sense of relief and hope, mixed with uncertainty. She left the session with a sense of being understood and supported, but at the same time, not knowing what to do. As Jayn walked out of the room, she knew that she wasn't alone, and that there were people who understood her and wanted to help.

Dr. Lim's words echoed in her mind, "Your uniqueness is your strength, Jayn. Don't be afraid to embrace it." Jayn was not sure, is she ready to face all these challenges?

While Jayn walked into her classroom, the vibrant chatter and laughter of her classmates enveloped her like a warm embrace. The room was alive with the hum of conversation, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or the scraping of chairs against the floor. Jayn's classmates were a diverse bunch, each with their own unique personality and style. There was Sophia, the outgoing and confident one, who was always the centre of attention. Next to her sat quiet and reserved Ava, who observed the world around her with thoughtful eyes, but can be dramatic and playful at times. Across the room, a group of students were engaged in a heated debate, their voices rising and falling in a crescendo of excitement. Olivia, Rachel, and Mia were huddled together, giggling and whispering to each other. Jayn felt a pang of longing to be part of one of the group, to be accepted and understood. But she knew that she still had a long way to go.

As Jayn was walking back to her seat, two girls caught her eye. Sophia and Ava, who sat nearby, looked up from their chat and smiled softly at Jayn. Sophia got up from her seat and walked over to Jayn, her eyes filled with concern. "Hey, how are you doing?" she asked gently. Ava followed suit, her expression kind and understanding. Jayn felt a small sense of comfort at their approach, but she still struggled to find her voice. "I-I'm okay," she stuttered, her eyes cast down at her feet. Sophia and Ava exchanged a knowing glance, and Sophia sat down beside Jayn. "We're here for you, Jayn," she said softly. Jayn nodded slightly, feeling a small sense of gratitude, but still unsure of how to respond.

Jayn's heart fluttered in her chest as she felt the weight of their gaze upon her. She knew that she looked different, that her eyes seemed deeper and her smile seemed smaller. She felt like a fragile leaf blown by the winds of change, uncertain and vulnerable.

Ava sat down on the other side of Jayn, creating a sense of safety and enclosure. The warmth of their bodies, the gentle pressure of their presence, enveloped Jayn like a soft blanket. "Sec 3 is definitely not easy, I'm struggling as well," Ava said, and then pretended to cry. Then she stopped abruptly, "but we want you to know that we're here to listen, if you need someone to talk to." Jayn's eyes flickered up to meet Ava's, then darted back down to her feet, her lashes casting a fragile shadow on her cheeks. She nodded again, a small, barely perceptible movement, her head barely lifting off her chest. Sophia and Ava exchanged another glance, their eyes communicating a deep understanding and empathy.

Jayn felt a lump form in her throat, her eyes stinging with tears. She didn't deserve this kindness, this compassion. But a small, hidden part of her heart began to unfurl, like a tiny flower blooming in the darkness. The warmth of their words and presence seeped into her skin, spreading like a gentle fire, thawing the frozen landscape of her soul.