Lost Love

Malignant Melanoma

Author's Note:

To understand this story, readers will need to know malignant melanoma and what it is. Malignant melanoma, also called melanoma, is the most serious type of skin cancer, which causes all sorts of moles and skin darkening on any part of one's body. Treatments require surgery, medications, and sometimes chemotherapy. The survival rate is only 10-20%.

*Sophia Collin's P.O.V.*

I am Sophia. Sophia Collin. I was a freshman in Layton High in Layton, Utah. I was 15 years old. I loved playing The Cello. I know I sounded like an ordinary teenage girl. I sort of was normal. Sort of. Despite the fact that I've been homeschooled most of my life. And, the fact that I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on my face, arms and neck when I was only 4 years old. Malignant melanoma is the reason why I was homeschooled all these years. I didn't want to face the world. I was already teased at supermarkets and parties. I already lived through 1 year of pre-school at the age of 5. People called me Godzilla. Some kids called me a girl gone wrong. And, I knew public schools would shatter me completely.

So, my whole elementary and middle school life, I was non-social at home learning long division and algebraic equations. I didn't do anything at home. I got up at 8 A.M. to start my online courses and I went to sleep at 7 P.M. My parents always recommended publicity, and at times, I wanted to go. But, then I would end up, upstairs in my room, balling my eyes out in front of my mirror. I looked hideous. And there was nothing and no one that would make me feel beautiful inside out.

I spent 12 years in the dark. I avoided public places.

Once I went to the beach, a girl came up to me and asked me if I needed sunscreen. I told her I already had some on. She looked at my face filled with moles and said, "But, you have sunburn." And, laughed away. I didn't go to the beach since then. It's been 10 years.

Then, it was the end of my homeschooled 8th grade. And, that night, my parents came to my room to give me a very important talk.

"Sophia. We both love you very much. You are a very smart young lady. And, we know how it might feel to have a disease the whole world can see from your physical look. We have seen your pain and endurance. You haven't had a single friend, except for us. We have been thinking about this for a long time. And, we have reached the decision to put you into Layton High. Listen, before you say anything, think about your future. You can't just stay home all your life. You are going to have to face the world sooner or later."

And, I thought about this for a long time. I was ready. Ready to face the world.

I am Sophia Collin. And this is my story.