1 Chapter I: STRANGE

I was walking back home from the market as I buy things that I will need for this week. It was a sunny day. A lot of people come and go from store to store. Everyone is busy doing their own thing.

Then I passed by this group of people almost the same age as mine.

Laughters. All I heard was laughters and painful words.

"White haired"

"Oldie"

I closed my eyes and pretend I did not hear anything. But then I felt a force that was thrown on me.

I panicked. I grope where did that thing hit. My arms were okay, my knees were fine, and my head...I felt a sticky liquid on it. I was shocked, I can feel my face grew pale.

It was blood.

I want to scream for help but I failed. My body felt weakened, I can feel each system in my body shutting down.

I thought somebody will come and help me. I thought there will be that someone who will be kind and bring me to the nearest hospital.

But no one did.

Before my body completely collapsed, all heard was still laughters.

Laughters that stabbed me to death.

I think this will be the end?

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I immediately got up of the bed. I was pretty sweaty.

It was a dream. Thank goodness! I laid down as I composed myself back.

It is always like this. Even in my dream those painful words and sharp laughter haunts me. What should I do?

They bully me because of the color of my hair. It is different and in this society when it is different it is ugly. It is white, naturally white and I cannot do anything about that.

Yes, any possible way that I can change my hair color, I already did it. Blackening shampoos from the cheapest to the most expensive ones, I already tried it. But everything ends with the same result, it goes back to my original hair color— white.

I do not want to be in this situation anymore. I hate this. I always get hurt.

Am I no worthy of any other feelings?

Am I not allowed to experience any other emotions? Aside from being scared and being angry to this cruel society.

Have I no rights to be happy?

They are human and so am I.

I did not grew up in a wealthy family instead I grew up in an orphanage. And now I work myself to survive, just like those people who threw shades and insults to me.

As far as I know and remember, I did not do anything wrong. What have I done to deserve this?

I looked at the wall where I put my wall clock I bought from the market, it was already 8 o'clock. It is Sunday today, I need to fix myself and be ready for work.

I am a working student and as my part time job, to support my finances, I worked as I a waitress in a restaurant. I go to work every morning and go home at 7 PM, if there is no class, but if there is, my duty starts at 5 PM up to 11 PM.

I am ready. I grabbed my quite heavy bag with the books I will read during my free time. Some are novels and some are textbooks.

Since the restaurant I am working in, is walking distance from where I live, I always walk going to that place everyday.

As I walk I saw bunch of men on high staring at me. I felt sad at the same time scared. Then I remember one of my workmates shared to me about the other way to the restaurant. So, I go and choose to change my route and try to go that way.

It is my first time going this way. The street is silent all you can hear are leaves from the trees as the warm breeze danced through it.

I noticed a huge gate surrounding a gigantic size building inside. I was mesmerized on what I just saw. I mean like anybody would see this beautiful architectural masterpiece would be mesmerized right? I stared at it for quite a while.

Then I noticed an engraved writing on the gate. I was about to go near when my phone rings.

"Ezra? Where are you? I have been calling you million times already. Our manager is asking where in the world are you.", it was Caleb, my co-worker, and my friend—only friend.

"I'm sorry, I'll be there in just a few. Remember the route you shared to me? I tried to go that way. Do not worry I'll be there.", I explained and I hanged it up.

I run as fast as I could and as usual I am stared by those piercing stares by strangers as if I am a freak that would be better dead than to be alive in this world.

I go straight in to the kitchen and do my routine before I start. I saw Caleb doing the dishes, I then go to him and help.

"Cal? I think I cannot do this anymore.", I say while washing the piles of plates.

"Cannot what? Do you need something?", he panicked as he replied. I did not utter a word as a reply, I am not sure if can share to him my sentiments.

"Are you going to kill yourself? Hang? Or cut? Please Ezra do not." . His wet hands touched the sleeves of my shirt. I am in shocked by how he responded.

"What are you talking about? Do not over think. What I meant was, about school. I cannot continue my education anymore. I mean I love studying but my co-students they are rude and you surely know that.", my hands are trembling I am not used to have somebody to share my sentiments with.

He put his hand unto his chest, "You silly! You almost give me a heart attack. So what now? What is your plan? You want to transfer school?". I did not answer...again. Transfer? That is a great idea!

A whole day passed. My shift was done, after that I need to prepare my things to go home. Then this idea came into my mind. What if I will take the same route I took earlier? Why not right?

It is already dark. Only street lamp post lit the rocky, unfinished road. The street was silent. I stopped. It was the grandiose house—mansion again.

I remember the engraved words earlier that I did not got the chance to see.

It was a—note?

Welcome to the SODALITY!

Miracles here and everywhere.

Where they put this world is for you to explore

There is nothing, but miracles beyond your doors.

The SODALITY is your invitation.

To witness them without explanation.

Take a look at this fine creation,

And of course enjoy it with appreciation.

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What was I just read? It was strange. I tried to peak what is inside, but it is too dark for me to see. Maybe, I will comeback tomorrow.

The next morning, as I woke up, I felt like not going to school so I did not. I have decided to visit that place again.

As I reached the place again it did not fail to amaze me...again. It is so beautiful.

I saw some people in uniform who entered the place so it is a school? There is like a machine who checks before they can enter. Well, that was cool.

My heart jumped when somebody tapped me on the back. I immediately looked at what or who is that.

It was a man— with a blue hair? He is tall and also in uniform. He smiled at me and asked, "You new here?". I composed myself, and shook my head as reply and as I added, "No, I just passed by.".

"Oh, I'm sorry! Got to go I will be late.". He waved, as I nod.

Wait— did I just talked to someone I did not know? And I felt like I can trust him. That was weird.