Monsters

A Story by Andrea_P

Random stream of thought about people who claim they want to help you.

"I really don't want to sound rude", she said keeping her voice low, yet firm, letting them know they should take her seriously, "but could you stop giving me advice I didn't ask for."

"Well, I definitely shouldn't have said that", she thought a moment after, looking at the appalled faces in front of her. They gasped, as if orchestrated, in utter unison. She felt exhausted, overwhelmed with emotions, with anger, fear, rage, guilt, panic...but most of all...pain. As if every year, every month, every day...every moment of her life had led her to this moment. She was devoured by pain like never before. On the verge of tears, feeling so helpless, so alone. She couldn't breathe and she couldn't cry out, but it didn't matter, because nobody would care...not really. They all said they were worred, they all said they wanted to help, that they only wanted what's best for her. But that was far from truth. They were only repeating what they were told.

She wondered how and why weren't they ever able to see the masks they have been wearing all their life. Were they aware of their dishonesty? Or were they simply in denial? Were they too afriad to admit they were not satisfied and that they have never been in control of their life? Was that the reason why they wanted to take their frustrations out on her? Because she was different? Because she decided to take matter into her own hands? Because she was a living proof it was possible...to risk everything by following your dreams.

Children are often afraid of the dark because they fear monsters will take their life. Ironic really, she thought, considering real monsters roam freely during the day. Parents, teachers, family...they are the ones that take away your life. Your ability to choose. Just as it was taken away from them, they will take away your freedom from you.

"But we were just trying to help", the red-headed woman responded quickly.

She sighed, tired from hearing this sentence, wondering will they ever cease pretending they were worried about her future. "You weren't", she said looking her straight in the eye, "and please, stop projecting your fears and frustrations onto me. It is not my fault you decided not follow your dreams but decided to do what you were told, it is not my fault that you are not happy with your life and feel the need to make everyone's life miserable just to prove yourself you did not make a mistake when you chose the "safer" option. And please, stop saying you mean well."

The crowd, horrified and shocked, fell silent. She was well aware that retribution will ensue. But for the first time in her life, she felt free.