𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

𝐓 𝐖 𝐄 𝐍 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐄

Lowen

For as long as I could remember, words had always been locked inside me, trapped behind an invisible barrier I couldn't break through. The world moved around me, people talked, laughed, and argued, but I remained silent. Most people assumed I couldn't talk, and I let them believe that because explaining why I didn't was beyond me.

But that was before I met Ms. González. She was different. She looked at me like I was whole, not broken. Her kindness and patience were unwavering, and over time, something in me began to change.

Today was just another day in her English class, but to me, it felt monumental. I had decided that today would be the day I spoke my first words out loud.

Ms. González was talking about themes in "To Kill a Mockingbird," her passion for literature lighting up her face. I sat there, my heart pounding in my chest, hands clammy. I knew everyone in the class expected nothing from me. Why would they? I had never spoken a single word in all the years they had known me.

"Can anyone tell me what the mockingbird symbolizes in the story?" Ms. González asked, her eyes scanning the room.

As usual, the room fell into a tense silence. I could see my classmates avoiding her gaze, hoping someone else would answer. I took a deep breath, feeling my pulse in my throat, and raised my hand. The movement felt alien, almost surreal.

The class collectively held its breath. Ms. González's eyes widened in surprise, and she blinked rapidly as if unsure of what she was seeing.

"Y-yes, Lowen?" she stammered, her voice filled with a mixture of shock and hope.

I stood up, feeling every pair of eyes in the room on me. My legs were shaking, but I focused on Ms. González's face, her encouraging smile giving me the strength I needed.

"T-The m-mockingbird ssymbolizes i-innocence," I said, my voice shaky but growing stronger with each word. "It represents those who are harmless and vulnerable, and how they can be destroyed by the evil in the world. Like Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, who are innocent but judged and hurt by society."

The silence that followed my words was deafening. I could see the disbelief in my classmates' eyes, the way their jaws dropped, and their eyes widened. But it was Ms. González's reaction that mattered the most to me. Tears glistened in her eyes, and she looked at me with such pride and astonishment that it nearly brought me to tears.

"Lowen... that was beautiful," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for sharing that with us."

I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. For the first time, I had spoken out loud, and it felt liberating. Seeing her reaction made every second of fear and uncertainty worth it.

As I sat back down, I felt the stares of my classmates, a mixture of shock, admiration, and curiosity. The whispers started, but I didn't mind. I had done it. I had broken through my silence.

Henry would've lost his shit if he was here today.

Class continued, but it was a blur to me. All I could think about was the look in Ms. González's eyes, the way she had believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself.

After class, I lingered behind, feeling the need to talk to Ms. González one-on-one. She was gathering her things, but looked up as I approached her desk.

"Lowen," she said softly, her voice still filled with emotion. "That was incredible. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Ms. González," I said, my voice steadier now. "I've been wanting to speak for a long time, but I was scared. You've always believed in me, and that gave me the courage I needed."

She smiled, tears finally spilling over. "You have so much strength, Lowen. Don't ever doubt that. And don't ever let fear silence you again."

"I won't," I promised, feeling a new sense of determination. "Thank you for everything."

"And Lowen." I turn around to look at her.

"Call me Sofiana when we're alone." She gave me a little wink making me blush. But a happy smile broke out on my face.

Sofiana...

As I left the classroom, the world seemed a little brighter, a little less daunting. For the first time, I had found my voice, and with Ms. González's support, I knew I could continue to speak my truth. I wasn't just a silent observer anymore. I was a participant in my own life, and it felt amazing.

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~ R