Achieving Serenity

The Girl with the One-Armed Nose

Confidence

Haley was a recluse living at home with her mom. She was afraid to go outside because she knew people were laughing at her and her one-armed nose. She had graduated high school two years ago and was thrilled to be away from those judgmental kids. The last thing she was going to do was go to college and suffer more bullying. People just couldn't seem to get over the fact that she had a one-armed nose.

Her friends never brought up her mutation, probably because they wanted to protect her feelings. It was hard for her to meet guys because she was so shy and self-conscious. No guy wanted to be with a girl who has a one-armed nose.

People really didn't bully Haley, but she knew they were talking about her and laughing behind her back. God, why did you have to give me this silly one-armed nose? Why can't I just look normal and not have to feel like a freak everywhere I go?

Haley's mom always told her that she had a unique nose, and this made her feel less than. She knows her mom just wants her to feel good about herself, but she doesn't want this "unique" nose.

Justine was Haley's best friend and was growing concerned about her isolation. She felt Haley was such a great and beautiful person and didn't understand why she felt so insecure. They were having a sleepover at Haley's house, and Justine asked the question she has had a burning desire to find out.

"Haley, how come you don't know you're beautiful?" Justine asked.

"Are you serious?? Don't be generous, hun. No girl can be beautiful with a one-armed nose," she replied.

Justine looked at her, bedazzled. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Please don't be like everyone else and pretend it's just normal. It's creepy. I don't like going out because I know people are whispering about me and my one-armed nose," Haley explained.

"Haley, what is a one-armed nose?"