"Amen."
I dug into my mashed potatoes in silence. My blood was boiling. I chewed my chicken like it killed my entire family and deserved to die.
"So, Shay, how was school?"
How could he? He's the MAYOR.
"Shay?"
He's supposed to-
"SHAY."
I looked up at my family. Charlie had a grin on her face.
"How was school, Shay?" My mother said calmly.
"Fine."
Charlie cut in.
"Well my day was great. Madison F. finally gave me my fuchsia crayon, but then I gave it to Grayson B. for his bird drawing. So then...."
My sister was blabbing. My mind went to the mayor again.
Mayors are supposed to love everyone, no matter what. He said so in the election last summer! But now he's going around bashing us, just for who we love?!
I had to do something.
"May I be excused please?"
My dad raised an eyebrow. My mother looked at me weirdly.
"Ok sweetie... I'll put your supper in the fridge for later."
My dad narrowed his eyes at me.
I got up like a shot and sped walked to my room.
I yanked my notebook from the drawer and pulled a pencil from the case.
I sat down and stared at the paper.
What do I say? Maybe...
Dear Mr. Gray,
Hello. I've written to you to give feedback about your recent statement in the press.
LGBT supporters are not lying about loving us for us. I myself am asexual, so please do not criticize us for who we are attracted to, or what gender we are comfortable in. That's like me saying I hated you, just because of what God you believe in. Also, in what part of the bible does it say you're allowed and expected to put down people who are not perfect. Nobody is perfect. You're not perfect, I'm not perfect. Love is love, and you need to accept that.
-Shayden Crae, Age 15.
An hour later, I finally got the letter proofread. I got two envelopes and googled the mailing address to city hall, and to the state newspaper. I put in the rant letter and sealed it. I wrote a letter to the paper.
Dear Texas State Newspaper,
Hello. I recently wrote a letter to the mayor in concern of the statement you published yesterday. I was miffed at the fact you let that kind of hatred be published and released to the public. I, myself, am apart of the LGBT+ community, and I do not like the things the mayor said. Please remove the headline quote, and tell the mayor to read the letter with the blue envelope.
-Shayden Crae, Age 15.
I sealed that letter and stamped it.
I put it underneath my laptop, made a mental note to take it to the mailbox tomorrow, and went to bed.
