"The Mask"
Nimal walked down the crowded streets of Manhattan, blending in with the sea of faces. She wore a bright smile, a mask she had perfected over the years. Behind the facade, she hid her true feelings, her secret identity.
As she entered her high school, Nimal's anxiety grew. She navigated the hallways, exchanging pleasantries with classmates and friends. But beneath the surface, she struggled to reconcile her authentic self with the expectations of others.
At home, Nimal's parents, though loving, held traditional views. Her mother's words echoed in her mind: "Marriage, family, stability." Nimal's father, a successful businessman, expected her to excel academically and pursue a "respectable" career.
Nimal felt trapped, torn between pleasing her family and being true to herself. She longed to express her feelings, to reveal her secret, but fear held her back.
As she entered her first-period class, Nimal's eyes met those of a her childhood crush, Jamie. Their gazes locked, and Nimal felt a spark. Little did she know, this encounter would change everything.
Being in high school is difficult enough, can't imagine what it will be like in college
Assignment, class work, group work am tired of all that.
The only way I escape reality is through social media. I might seems to be introverted but I enjoy watching tiktok videos, it helps me relax whenever I think about things I can't reach.
I am nimal....um...(smile) a bit shy
While.....I am seventeen...living in New York City....
Nimal couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped. She felt like she was living two lives, one that conformed to societal expectations and another that was authentic but hidden.
As she sat in class, Nimal's mind wandered to her secret. She had feelings for both boys and girls, but she'd never been brave enough to express them. The fear of rejection, judgment, and disappointment from her loved ones paralyzed her.
After class, Nimal met up with her friends, Rachel and Mike. They chatted about their weekends, and Nimal played along, hiding her true thoughts. She longed to confide in them, but fear held her back.
As they parted ways, Nimal spotted Jamie again. This time, Jamie smiled, and Nimal's heart skipped a beat. She felt drawn to Jamie's confidence and creativity.
That evening, Nimal's parents asked about her day. She gave them a brief summary, omitting her encounters with Jamie. As she went to her room, Nimal felt suffocated by the expectations and secrets.
She opened her journal and wrote:
"Who am I, really? What's holding me back? Can I ever be true to myself?"
Nimal's words poured onto the page, a mix of emotions and questions. She felt a sense of relief but also uncertainty.
As she closed her journal, Nimal wondered: Would she ever find the courage to reveal her true self?
Jamie might not even recognised me
She joined the school last week....I had a crush on Jamie ever since we were kids though we don't talk
I have been stealing glances at her for the past five years ...I don't think she ever noticed me.
We were never friends despite living close to each other.....Jamie house is beside my house....her parents are both renowned and famous lawyers.
I walked into the school's art studio, searching for a refuge from my thoughts. The smell of paint and clay enveloped me, calming my nerves. That's when I saw Jamie, surrounded by half-finished canvases and scattered paint tubes. Our eyes met, and I felt a spark of electricity.
"Hey, Nimal!" Jamie called out, her smile lighting up the room. "What brings you here?"
I shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious. "Just looking for some inspiration, I guess."
Jamie nodded, her eyes sparkling with creativity. "I know the feeling. Sometimes, I get lost in my art, and everything else fades away."
As we talked, I found myself drawn to Jamie's passion and energy. We bonded over our shared love of art, music, and self-expression. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could be myself, without the weight of expectations.
Jamie showed me her latest project a vibrant mural depicting the city's diversity and beauty. I was captivated by the colors, the movement, and the message.
"This is amazing," I said, feeling a sense of awe. "You're incredibly talented, Jamie."
Jamie blushed, her smile faltering for a moment. "Thanks, Nimal. Art's my escape, you know? It helps me process everything."
I nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. "I write in my journal. It's my way of expressing myself, I guess."
As we continued talking, I felt a connection forming between us. It was like we spoke the same language, one that transcended words.
But amidst the excitement, a voice in my head whispered caution. What if Jamie didn't feel the same way? What if she judged me for my secret?
I pushed the thoughts aside, savoring the moment. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen, heard, and understood.
As we parted ways, Jamie handed me a small sketchbook. "For your writing and art," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe one day, we'll collaborate on a project."
I took the sketchbook, feeling a sense of gratitude and wonder. Could this be the start of something beautiful?