Isolation

Tip-toeing down the hallway, I attempt to isolate myself from the others. I watch the blurry hard-wood floor as I make my way to class. The sound of evil giggles escape their mouths. Feeling the breath of melancholy down my neck sends chills down my spine and makes me tremble. Picking up my head, I glance forward to see a couple cradling each other. Why can't I have that? They are practically walking on air. Suddenly the memories flood back and my head sags down to face the floor again.
At that moment, I feel the comforting warmth of a hand on my shoulder. I can recognize the touch of her tender, fragile hands from any other person. Turning to gaze into her pale, calm eyes, a wave of comfort rolls over my restless body.
"I know you better than anyone and I know that there is something serious going on with you," she whispers. "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but just know I am here for you." Her soft voice reminds me of what being loved feels like. "You are beautiful inside and out. Whoever or whatever is hurting you does not realize that. Don't let anyone or anything stop you from being proud of yourself. You have so much more potential than you realize."
Hours after we talked, her words kept playing over and over in my mind like a broken record. "You are beautiful inside and out." No one had ever called me beautiful before. I snap open my clutch purse and take out my compact mirror. Staring at the image, I barely recognize who it is. I give myself a crooked half smile. Maybe one day I will be able to see myself the way she sees me.