"mrnightmare" (The unknown author)

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I was born different. I don't if I really am a son of a human because my appearance is not the same as theirs. Despite my appearance my parents still loved me but humans are cruel in so many ways. They thought I'm a monster so they tormented the life of my parents. That's why at a young age even though my heart broke to leave my parents. I decided to go away from them to make sure they will be safe.

I wander in every place where I can shelter and can eat. There were nice people in a family but there were not. Most of them pushed me away even just sleeping for a night. Life was hard and even harder because I was alone.

One early summer in a mountainside where I used to hide or lived in that forest. I saw children were studying in an open place. There was a pretty woman who was cheerful. I assumed that time she was their teacher but not in the profession. It was just her hobby to teach children because she thought it was fun.

Every weekend she visited the place and I waited here at the road. I couldn't remember how we met but all I remembered was that she started teaching me to write and to read. She was not afraid of me and she didn't hate my looks.

She said I'm smart because it took just a year and I finally became a fine writer. She was reading my write-ups like articles and my disappointment in life. She encouraged me to keep on writing and she would be the one to check it if it's correct. I didn't study in schools so grammar would be my problem.

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One piece of write-ups that I wrote she loved the most. She even submitted it to a news inquirer where a lot of people can read. She did that to make the people realize how important it is not to judge people through their looks or appearance. That piece was titled "The Cursed World" and it became popular. Of course, I didn't write my name there. It was my prevention not to be seen or to be known by the people. I'm afraid they will just not like it knowing the writer of it is a monster.

Somehow my life status was changed a little bit but not the way how they see me as an individual. My piece became so popular that my mentor named Lara asked me to write more. Most of my write-ups are all about how people see me as not a person. "I'm no monster", "I don't eat person", " Don't look at me like that", "You laughed but I cried" and many more.

The demands of my appearance were in the news. Some reporters were curious who is this writer and why he wrote like this. Somewhat people understood my feelings but I didn't know if they would understand if they will see me.

"Craner, is it fine for you to be in the crowd?"

Miss Lara asked and I was surprised by her question.

"Why is that?" I don't know what to say.

"They will set a date for a book signing from you and a short interview."

I'm speechless but nervous. I suffered worst because of my appearance and because of how people saw me. I don't want to experience it again and if it will happen I will see my parents first.

"Let me think about it."

I said to Miss Lara and she replied, "Sure, just tell me when you are ready."

After over a month of thinking I decided to show up in the crowd. I visited my parents first before anything else happens.

"Mom, Dad, it's me, Craner."

I'm surprised how they reacted eagerly when they saw me. They hug me and my mother in tears and said.

"Of course we will know you no matter how many years will pass or your age will change."

"We searched for you, son."

My father said as he holds my head tightly while we are hugging.

"I know Dad but I didn't want to cause trouble for the both of you."

"What do you mean? You are our son and we will do everything to protect you."

We have a sentimental time after not seeing each other for many years. I told them that I will go first to have an interview or something. Of course, I told them that I will not run away this time.

I asked Lara that my demand to show up are these and she did it. It's in the park where everyone is waiting for my arrival. I'm so nervous that I'm thinking to run away or not showing up. But I thought I should do this as an example to the people out there who are experiencing it like mine.

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"Why you used a "mrnightmare" screen name?"

The interviewers started asking.

"Sweet dream never happened to me. I grew up having a nightmare because of how people treated me."

"The Cursed World piece of yours became so popular. Why do you think is the reason for it?"

"It's not just me who experiences the darkness of this world. Others pretended to smile but crying when they're alone. I thought this world is cursed because of how people treating one another. Who are you to think that you're better with them? Who are we to think living in this world should be good-looking or presentable. We have no right to judge because we have no right to compare ourselves to other people. If we can just break that thought of ugly or beautiful and poor or rich. We will realize that all of us in this world are equal. Wouldn't be nice if your everyday life will have no hate or resentment?"

It got me emotional after I explained to them why I wrote it. I didn't let my tears fall but the tone of my voice changes.

"What will be the next title for your future piece?"

"I'm thinking this time to motivate the people who keep on shutting or hiding from the society."
"You Are Special."

"Why is that you want to write next?"

"I want people to understand that each one of us is special in different ways. We are not the same in looks, likes, and many more. We have individual differences that lead us to individual specialties. I will make them realize that the world needs them or us despite the appearance or the situation in life."

The interviewers and the audience are just nodding after what I said. They said "Thank You" and the interview was finished. Then the book signing comes next. I'm afraid to see people in the eyes but they are smiling towards me. It will be rude for me if I will not smile back. I started smiling and enjoyed the time signing the books. It's a very beautiful feeling smiling in the crowd.

End..

mrnightmare



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8 comments
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This story has lessons for people who judge, and for people who are judged. Sometimes, we cannot change circumstances. However, we can change the way we respond to circumstances. The protagonist learned this when he returned to his family. They did not see a monster. They loved him. He learned this when he started smiling:

It's a very beautiful feeling smiling in the crowd

A smile is a beautiful thing, not only for people who see it, but for the person who smiles.

Thank you for posting this moving, insightful story in the Ink Well community.

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Thank you as well, it's always been a pleasure knowing that my stories give lessons to other people. It's not easy to express it to everyone that's why it's so soothing letting it out through fiction stories.

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Surrendering to judgment, whether giving or receiving it is bad. We are more than first impressions and looks.

I like this story as a whole. It left a feeling of comfort in a sort with me.

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Really? Thank you, maybe because of acceptance and facing the truth that might change the life you wanted to be.

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Wow! At first, i thought we were talking about yourself.

This story is filled with good lessons to learn from.
Beautiful😉😊

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Hahaha, nope, it's about someone who was afraid to go out and show himself.

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