The Looking Glass Volume 37 | Page 21

I was always too small and too light to win these ritual competitions, so I’d been in my hometown longer than anyone. I was the oldest there. You had to be big, strong and beautiful to win, so each year I grew and developed. I took advantage of my resources and I turned myself into someone I had always wanted to be. I turned into someone I was meant to be. However, I would always be disappointed when, for many years, I wasn’t chosen to be the winner. I felt sad. I felt unwanted. I felt worthless.

But finally, one year the citizens of the other society decided I was worthy, and they took me with them. I was so happy! I was chosen! They thought I was worthy! They picked me up and took me away. I looked back and said goodbye to all of my friends and family. Everyone said that they were proud of me and that they wished the best for me. I couldn’t wait to see what life was like there after all of my waiting. It was the best day of my long, long life.

It was so exciting to see their world. Their town was very diverse, too; they weren’t the only type of citizen there. There were many others of all shapes and sizes. They all spoke different languages, some very complex, and some very simple. I even saw people from where I came from. They were all over. I even saw Jenny and Mom! I tried to say hi to them. I shouted their name, but they couldn't hear me over all the din. I knew they were proud; I was a winner after all.