-Short Story-
By: **ril *******
Max was a normal kid with a normal life and normal values.
Although he was an ordinary boy, he held thoughts enclosed and engraved in his mind that he thinks would surely aid in his survival or demise.
He's always thought that living life in the daily was like being held by a snake. The snake being wrapped around him loose enough to let him breath but tight enough to fatally hurt him if he moves around too much.
He believes that if he stays on the straight and narrow, if he stays inside the box, if he follows the status quo, then maybe the snake won't let the jaws of death settle on him just yet.
He marginalized himself and the people around him, setting boundaries that were a little too low for healthy expectations.
His personality switches subtly from a discreet sense of malignant narcissism to a series of low-self-esteem issues regarding self-hatred and nihilism almost regularly.
He thinks this is the better way, the best way to cope with his issues is to belittle himself and the rest of the world, and accept the downsides of life without working to build up some kind of happy ending. Because this is real life, and he believes that in reality, nothing you do would matter in the end.
His low-key pessimistic cynicism affected his social, school and home life. Confusing the people around him as to why he has constant mood swings. One moment, he's cooperative; the next, he's being completely insubordinate.
His family became worries about his state of mind and emotion. A ten year old shouldn't be this problematic.
His parents were a happy couple, lavishing their son with all the affection and attention a loving family could give. His family wasn't in any kind of poverty nor is there any kind of abuse.
He was never bullied. He believes that bullying only becomes 'bullying' when the 'victim' actually felt attacked. He simply did not care for those who thought could touch him, when they clearly haven't.
He wouldn't have much reason as to why his behaviour was like this. All of that was a result of a mystery. Even he himself can't figure out why he always feels the things he feels. He tends to ignore it as well.
He continued to be this sad wet sack of dirt all throughout until high school, where the brunt of his predicament was at its peak.
His parents always thought that maybe it's because of the changes within his body, like what normal people have once they reach a certain point in their early life. Although they acted like everything was alright, they were greatly perturbed inside and wanted to do everything they can to make the boy happy. Those rare smiles were a treasure to the overwrought couple.
In truth, he hated himself because of how much he was a burden to his parents, so he tried acting 'normally'. It seemed to do the trick since his parents look more relaxed and relieved.
His problem was being too big a nuisance and he knows it.
He doesn't want his parents to know about his inner turmoil. He doesn't want to be more of a problem than he already is.
He decided to end it all.
But even that plan sucked since there always was some kind of 'unfinished business' he needed to take care of.
He was at the end of the rope. His parents blinded by a fog he set, their scissors clipping everywhere but him. His friends distracted by a fog set by society, their scissors tucked away in their pockets, not knowing its purpose. Himself blinded by a fog set by an evil unknown force he found was inside him all this time, his scissors laid forgotten.
Snip.
Snip.
Snip.
Someone was cutting away at his rope, although only snipping the outer layer, the rope being thick and stubborn.
This person took him to a room of white and grey, having furniture laid out, chairs sitting across from each other.
They talked, and talked, and talked. The person snipped away, seeing through his lies and excuses, offering help and guidance, giving reassurances.
They recommended him to talk to his parents in a heart to heart. His parents emotional and understanding, accepted him with open arms, still doing what they're supposed to do, doing anything they can to ensure his happiness. It may not be what they do best, but they're the best parents he has.
The person with the scissors guided him, gave him advice, being open to any of his concerns.
The office used to be next to the Principal's Office. Now it's at the back of the chapel.
Max believed in many things. But maybe a little help from someone else could help him believe in himself.
YOU ARE READING
The Tale of Teachers
ŞiirA performance task in a Special Course for English. We were tasked to make a booklet containing a pair of poems, a pair of narratives, and a pair of short stories. All of which dedicated and/or about teachers, for Educator's Month. I am partnered wi...
