The Reality of Us

Stairs to Freedom

"Faggot."

"Bitch."

"Gay slut."

"Why are you even here?"

"Why don't you just die already?"

The words spiraled around me, digging into my mind. Digging into my heart.

"Please just go away."

Why wouldn't they stop?

"The world is better without you."

The stairs led up. Up to freedom.

"You're a disgrace to your family!"

My shoes came off, nicely placed together.

"What is wrong with you?"

Hands on the railing.

"How do you call yourself human?"

I was sitting on it now.

"Just kill yourself. No one wants you!"

I spread my arms, ready to fly.

"Stop!"

I pause.

"Please don't do it?"

Who in their right mind would stop me?

"Come down from there. I promise it'll get better."

DId they even know my life? How this felt?

"I was there before. I know. Make the choice I did. Choose to live. To prove them wrong."

A hand on my arm.

"Please."

I turn around. Deep brown eyes meet my blues. A soft gasp. From who? I don't know.

"Liam?"

He knew my name. He knew my name! And not a fake one at that.

"Who are you?" My voice was husky from crying.

"I'm James. I graduated from school a year ago. We were in the same math class.

He must be smart then, I had been in a college math class. I glance towards the railing. Towards freedom. He followed my gaze, and held both of my arms.

"Please don't." Why?

"Why? Why do you care?" I didn't mean to snap. He gazed sorrowfully in my eyes.

"No one deserves what you have been through. I'm sorry it happened."

"Why didn't you stop it?"

"Because I once went through the same thing. I was scared." Wait.

"Y-you're gay?" He nodded once.

"Yes." Once again I glanced towards the railing.

"I want to be free."

"You will be. One day. We'll both be." His hands were in mine now.

"Promise?" I needed to be sure.

"Yes."

And with that we walked down those stairs. We walked towards freedom.