Bright

My life wasn't perfect, growing up in Florida I realized this; the other children were frightening to me, all I wanted was to be home, all the time.

I know that must have gotten to my parents, even though I was just starting school.

"Mirra's very intelligent, she just needs a little push every morning before school."
One of my teachers, Mrs. Sargable, I think that was her name, commented something like that.
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The fear of being around people became apparent, even more, before kindergarten, when I was attending preschool, the tallest student in my class.

Our whole day was divided up into activities, playtime, lunch, art, storytime, and many others I don't think I'll ever remember.

Anyway, as the school days went on, my intelligence was noticed by all three of the teachers.

There was a problem though, I was still that child.

The one who cried for her parents at naptime, the one always off to herself, the one who attracted much attention from her class mates, yet didn't care to interact with them, the strange one.

Nonetheless, I was labeled an unripe, genius as my school days progressed.

I remember how I felt, sad, and I wanted nothing but my room, my parents, and home.

The only things comforting me were those pieces of sunlight that'd rest on the carpet along with me near a far window, bloating my shadow, while I listened to stories, far from everyone in sight.

As I notice how different I was in my childhood then, now, I believe I would have become a schizophrenic. That didn't happen though, because I got a little push from a gift.

His package was a small pet traveling cage, and the first movement I made out when he was placed in the living room, was that of his white tail.

My dad opened the cage, and convinced him to come out. He saw my face first, and I looked curiously into his.

In asking what he was, I was told about dogs. He became my friend, I'd never call him a pet, even now. I know that sounds weird, but he was the only living thing that didn't judge me for me.

Not going outside all day, on any day, even for seconds, except when I absolutely had to, signatured me. As a cold, unwanted, rebellious child. All the people of my world were limited then, but they still found reasonable fault against me.

I never walked my friend for the first months for that reason and others that only a child my age could invent. I still felt scared. Being uncooperative wasn't ever an intention of mine, just the way I grew up. You could say I was used to getting my way, in that matter.

Other parents, I feel, would not have given their child such permission. Allowment to be alone for so long.