Truth

Luke had to face the truth.

He sighed, staring at the bottle of dye in his hand. It would be so easy, to apply the brown colour again like he had ever since he found that he was ginger.

He could remember that day, like it was yesterday.

He woke up like usual; reluctantly.

It was a Saturday, and his parents were away for their anniversary lunch.

He dragged himself into the bathroom, yawning as he glanced up into the mirror.

And froze.

His once lovely, brown hair was ginger.

First was denial. He closed his eyes, shaking his head before opening them again, in hope that he had still been dreaming.

He hadn't.

He remembered the fear, as he walked to the pharmacy, hood on and head down.

That was the first time he had dyed his hair.

And today? He'd stop.

He couldn't hide who he was!

Not blond, like Mum or brown like Dad or even black!

He is ginger, and his family, friends and peers were going to have to either accept it-

Or not.

He sighed, placing the dye back into the locked box with a sense of finality.

The soft 'click' of the lock was deafening to his ears.

Each step, down to the breakfast table felt like he was descending into the Hell many said he and his kind belonged.

Upon reaching the table he stopped.

Mum saw the look of trepidation, stopping what she was doing with a frown.

"What's wrong honey?"

Luke took a deep breath.

And removed his beanie.

"Mum, Dad... I'm ginger."