The Glow Of Your Being

I was nervous that morning as I walked into school, feeling the usual judgmental stares. It was a new semester, and I was determined to do something different, even if my friends Grace and Lily didn't approve. When I saw Dylan Cooper, the autistic boy everyone considered strange, I felt an inexplicable curiosity. In class, people avoided him, but I saw something special. Upset by my friends mocking him, I decided to talk to Dylan during the break. We connected instantly, and I felt genuine joy. The next day, I left school with Dylan, ignoring others' shocked expressions. At home, I wondered if I was falling for him. As I sang "If Only," I imagined a future with Dylan but knew my parents would never accept it. Tears came as I realized my heart and dreams didn't align with my parents' expectations, but I was determined to find a way to make it happen.