Applause.

I have never heard anyone applaud me before, especially not an atrium full of homophobes. The sound made me cry a little, and it made me think that I achieved something. Something amazing, monumental.

Did I, a transgender teen in the middle of Kentucky, just stand up to her transphobic middle school?

"You did it, Emersyn...you did it." I said softly to myself, crying a little.

I heard Jules run over to me and saw her throw her arms around me, kissing my cheek.

"That was amazing. I'm so proud of you." Jules said.

I smiled sweetly at Jules and wrapped them into a hug, taking in the scene from up on a podium. This is the nicest, friendliest scene I've ever seen at Springfield...and it's surreal to know that I was the one that caused this to happen.

I'm pretty sure that a few weeks ago, I would be terrified to do this.

And it's all because of one person...the person that gave me the courage to stand up...that I'm here today.

"Abe?"

"Hmm?" Abe said, coming over to me.

"Thank you. Thank you so much." I said. Abe gave me a big hug and said, "No, thank you. I think because of you, The All-Holy is gonna come back. You're gonna be back where you truly belong."

"How can you be so sure of that? My mom is stubborn, she'll never go for it." I said.

"I'm sure of it because...Emersyn Jane Patricks, will you let me adopt you?" Abe asked.

I smiled and nodded, tears flowing as Abe handed me a manila folder. "Abe...Dad. I cannot thank you enough. How can I ever repay you?"

"You already have."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You've repaid me for being you, Emersyn. Because you, Emersyn, are something truly special indeed."

Something special.

It took a bit for those words to sink into my brain. For the past few years, all I've heard was "disgrace to God, disgrace to Mom, disgrace to Springfield, disgrace to the world."

And now, it's all over.

No more misgendering. No more deadnaming. No more school uniform pants. No more cross necklaces. No more having to hear that I'm going to hell for who I am. No more having to hide who I truly am.

"Hey, Mrs. Patricks!" Abe called as he took my hand. My mom walked into the school, an angry look on her face. Someone must've called her.

"You raised a truly great kid. And I'm sorry you couldn't see her true potential and let her be who she is. Cause she's mine now." Abe said.

I could not stop smiling.

I was home.

The End