High school... a time that I thought would never end, yet here I am, looking back on those days with a mixture of relief and sadness. The memories flood back like an overwhelming wave, bringing with them the pain and loneliness that seemed to be my constant companions during those years.
I remember walking down the halls, trying to blend in with the crowd, hoping no one would notice me. But they always did. The whispers behind my back, the laughter that echoed in my ears long after it had faded away... it was all too much to bear at times.
The bullying started almost as soon as I entered high school. Maybe it was because I looked different or acted differently from everyone else. Whatever the reason, it didn't take long for me to become a target for their cruelty.
They called me names - femboy, sissy - and laughed when they saw me flinch at their words. They pushed me around in the hallways and tripped me up when no one was looking. And sometimes... sometimes things got physical.
I tried so hard not to let it get to me. I told myself over and over again that their words didn't matter, that what they said wasn't true. But deep down inside, their taunts cut deeper than any knife ever could.
It got so bad at times that I resorted to hurting myself just to feel something other than this overwhelming sense of despair and worthlessness. It was like a vicious cycle - they hurt me with their words and actions; then I hurt myself because I thought maybe if I caused the pain instead of them...
But somehow... somehow through all of this darkness there were moments of light too. Moments where someone would smile kindly at me or offer help when others turned away. Moments where someone saw past all the layers of fear and insecurity wrapped around my heart... And even though those moments were few they gave hope a flickering flame burning bright against an endless night
Now here we are – college student Noel who’s free from high school's chains! No longer bound by cruel bullies' sneers nor haunted by empty corridors filled with tormentors’ jeers! Now is his chance –to live freely unafraid– embracing every moment without shame!
So farewell dear high school, With your ghosts fading fast, No longer will you torment Or make shadows last
For now Noel can soar On wings finally free To explore life's wonders As he truly wants to be