Handicapped

Let me introduce you to......

     First day of school! Let's reminisce. How has our first days each year been? Some of us are all so loud because we can't wait to show off our new things and the thought of having new stuffs seem to make us new individuals. Some of us are scared and nervous. Let's face it, not only transferees are clueless in their first day, even those who have been in that same building for more than half a year have been grinding and crying their way out of the corridors. Well, the truth is unfair. School is definitely not a playground for all, it can sometimes be a war zone, not because bullies are out to get our lunch money but because the truth stands that we can't please everyone.

 

     Sean, who just turned thirteen is not at all ready for school. Highschool, for many is the best years of their lives as students, while for others it's time for a game of hide and seek. And Sean seems to have not been doing well in the game. Well, his quite insecure and has the lowest of self-esteem. Not because he's quite stout, well I would rather call him "healthy". But because he can't control his lips, they vibrate and has a repeat button always on. He stutters. And it's hard to make friends if you can't pronounce your name well. It's the letter s and the syllables -t and -w that he can't manage to cite properly. He oftentimes, just tell people his last name, Ryan. And when people ask him his first name, he'll just say, " I like Ryan better".  Listen and see who Sean is as he narrates to us a story of millions of people, a story of struggle and disappointment. A story that is left unheard and problems left unresolved. 

     It's my first day as a high school, student. I woke up thinking about how the cafeteria would look like, I heard a popcorn stand is to be built beside my favorite ice-cream stand. I ate my breakfast. Mom made these delicious pancakes with syrup and whip cream, topped with mangoes. I got up, took a bath and saw that I was half an hour early for the time the bus arrives. So, I took the Bible and read some verses, prayed hard and went to the comfort room once again. I looked at myself in the mirror. Touched my face and my improved stomach....hahahahha...I lost ten kilos throughout summer break. Then, saw fifteen minutes remain. I started practicing my daily routine which I have not done for almost a month since, I never really had to. I started vocalizing with ssssssss.....aaaaaa..nnnnnn...Sean, Sean,SSS-eaann.....It seems like words flow gently when I sing them. Mom shouts....Oh, I begin to feel the heat, that heat, the sweat....School! As I make my way out of our house, kissed my parents and waved goodbye, I kept on practicing, Sean, Sean, Sean