under the big oak tree [d.h. + p.l] (au)

i

"he."

everyone always called them "he".

simultaneously, everyone bullied them for wearing "girl clothes".

"if you have a boy's name, why do you wear skirts and act like a girl?" people would ask them.

yet if they answered, no one would listen.

...

july the third, 2007

eyeing themself in the mirror, dan tugged at the hem of their skirt, taking their bottom lip between their teeth.

it was around eight in the morning, and dan had just woken up. they were wearing a black, oversized, cropped sweater and a pastel blue, high-waisted skirt. still glaring at their reflection, they pulled on their shoes and socks, inhaling deeply.

their hands were sweating with excitement and angst, their lips quaking as they slung their ivory book bag on their right shoulder. they stepped out into the morning dew after bidding farewell to their mum.

the tepid london air tickled dan's nose as they hugged themselves for comfort. a small smile grew on their face as they watched the sun cheekily peeking through the towering apartment buildings and offices as if to say "good morning." the sky sported hues of orange, pink, and blue, blended together like it had been a monet oil painting. a coffee-like aroma mixed with the sticky city air.

dan firmly gripped the hem of their skirt, taking in a deep breath before initiating the seemingly never-ending trek to the subway.

as they walked, they could feel thousands of eyes pasted onto their body. the worst thing about having all eyes on them: being completely helpless. there was nothing they could do about it.

dan felt it everyday. the piercing stares of everyone puncturing their very being.

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