January 23, 2007

In the shadows of playgrounds and classrooms, there are those who bear the weight of neglect, abuse, or loneliness. They navigate a world where bullies lurk and words cut deeper than knives. Their innocence shattered too soon by circumstances beyond their control, they carry scars that may not be visible but are felt deeply.

For some, home is not a sanctuary but a battleground, where love is scarce and fear is constant. They endure the ache of hunger, both physical and emotional, yearning for stability and security that seems forever out of reach.

Yet amidst these hardships, there are moments of resilience and hope. Children find solace in fleeting friendships, in the embrace of kind adults who offer a listening ear or a comforting smile. They discover courage in standing up for themselves, in dreaming of a better tomorrow despite the darkness of today.

Sister Marci was always there for Michael throughout as he aged. Now being ten, Michael felt more lonely than ever. Locked away in the basement of an orphanage was not a place he thought he'd be. Yes, Marci fed him, clothed him and read to him, taught him things and such. It was never enough to fill the void he felt in his heart. Every night he stay awake, he could never fall asleep, yet he didn't feel fatigue. Which has been going on for as long as he can remember.

But this day was special, Sister Marci promised he'd get to go outside and finally play in the grass she described was so fresh and soft to the touch. Had the smell unlike any other. He kept his favorite clothes unworn and on his bed, waiting for the door to open and Marci to embrace him with open arms.

He noticed any other time someone else came to visit him, they'd stare as if he was a bug. Especially Sister Agnes, she call him names and beat him up. He didn't know what he did to deserve it but he came to the conclusion that it wasn't right but he never told Marci about it. He didn't want to be in more trouble by Agnes than he already is.

She engraved in his mind that his name was Cain and not Michael like Marci calls him. Agnes told him many times he didn't deserve to be named Michael. And he unfortunately began to follow her words.

He sighed as he reminisced about Sister Agnes, she was a meany in his eyes but authority he couldn't disobey.

As he waited more and more, the time Sister Marci promised him had past and his excitement slowly went down like quick sand despite the name. His clothes and shoes awaited at his bed perfectly neat. His eyes brim with tears as he ran to the corner of the basement and crouched down. Hugging himself.

Why didn't no one care about about him?

No one did...

No one...

I care about you Michael

Michael sniffed up his tears and hear his freind he always heard from the back of his head but never saw physically. He wonder when he will. "I know you do." Michael quietly said, his voice muffled by his arms. Hugging his knees, his face in between.

"When can I see you?" Michael asked.

Not yet.

"Why not?" Michael inquired, pressuring his freind on more. Michael looked up to the only window he had that let the sun shine through.

You'll cry like a big baby.

"No I won't, I promise." Michael lied through his teeth. Hoping his friend will buy it.

Yes you will.

"No I won't."

Yes you will.

"No I won't!"

Yes you will.

"Ugh!" Michael groaned. Michael may not have noticed it but his heart was currently clouded by the presence of his freind complete forgetting his recent reason for his crying. "You're a loser." Michael taunted.

Then we'll be both losers.

Michael scoffed and stuck out his tongue to no one in particular. Hoping his friend got the message. To which he did and he simple continued on talking to Michael.

Just Remember Michael,
I'll be with you every step of the way...