Stephanie has a disability and wants to fit in. It
Stephanie has a disability and wants to fit in. It isn’t until a good looking boy named Jessie who fell in love with her and does not care about her disability. He likes her for who she is.
Stephanie’s world was a kaleidoscope of muted colors. She could see, yes, but the world seemed perpetually veiled in a soft haze. The vibrant greens of the park across the street, the dazzling blues of the sky, the warm hues of the bakery she walked past every day – they were all toned down, softened, like watching a world through a frosted window.
It was her vision, the legacy of a childhood illness, that made her feel different. It was a subtle difference, but it was enough to make her feel like she was living in a world that was slightly out of focus.
High school was a cacophony of sights and sounds, and Stephanie felt perpetually on the edge, watching from a distance. Her classmates, with their perfect eyesight and flawless skin, seemed to move with a confidence she couldn’t grasp. She longed to join them, to be seen, to be part of the vibrant tapestry of teenage life.
One day, during a particularly loud lunch period, a boy named Jessie sat down at her table. Jessie was everything Stephanie wasn’t – tall, athletic, with a smile that could light up a room.
“Hi, I’m Jessie,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling. “I just wanted to say hi. You’re really cool.”
Stephanie’s heart thumped in her chest. No one had ever said that to her before.
“I’m Stephanie,” she stammered, feeling a blush creep up her neck.
He didn’t seem to notice the slight hesitation in her voice. He spent the rest of the lunch period talking to her, asking her about her favorite books, her favorite bands, her favorite things about the school. He wasn’t deterred by her soft-spoken nature, her occasional need to squint to see, or the way she always sat a little bit back from the group.
Over the next few weeks, Jessie and Stephanie became friends. They went to movies, to the park, to the local ice cream shop. Jessie never treated her differently. He held doors open for her, helped her navigate busy hallways, and always offered his arm when they crossed the street. But most importantly, he never made her feel like she was less than anyone else.
One day, while walking home from school, Jessie stopped and turned to Stephanie. “Stephanie,” he said, his voice earnest, “I really like you.”
Stephanie’s heart stopped. She’d never felt anything like this before. She looked at him, at his kind eyes, his genuine smile, and she knew that this was different.
“I like you too,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Jessie took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. He leaned in, his face inches from hers, and whispered, “I don’t care about your vision, Stephanie. I like you for you. I like your kindness, your intelligence, your humor. You’re amazing.”
Tears welled in Stephanie’s eyes. For the first time in her life, she felt seen. Not just seen, but truly understood and appreciated for who she was, flaws and all.
As she walked home, the world seemed brighter, more vibrant. The colours were still a little muted, but they were beautiful. For the first time, Stephanie felt like she belonged. She had found someone who didn’t just accept her disability, but loved her despite it, and maybe, just maybe, that was all she ever needed to truly fit in.
