The car crash that left me scarred for life changed my life forever. The sound of a shattering glass resonated deeply with me as I was doing my best to recover from the trauma.
My scar, fresh and still red in some places, ran from just above my left eyebrow down past my cheek and ended near my jawline. For weeks, I avoided the mirror and couldn’t stand looking at my own face while my family and friends tried to comfort me. “That scar is a symbol of resilience and a second chance in life,” my mom would say.
Deep down, however, I was scared of the stares from strangers. I didn’t want people to look at me and wonder why I looked the way I did. But that scar was now part of me and I had to learn how to live with it.
My dermatologist said it would fade a bit over time, but I knew that my scar was there to stay.
One day, as I boarded a plane to get back home and visit my family, I put my headphones on and drifted off to sleep.
Some time later, I was awoken by the couple arguing next to me. At first, I didn’t understand what they were saying, but it became obvious that they were talking about it.
They judged me instantly, just by looking at me.
The man turned to me and said, “Can’t you cover your face? You make me and my girlfriend uncomfortable. Your appearance is frightening.”
The woman covered her nose with her sweater, and I remained quiet while he called the flight attendant.
“This woman is upsetting us. Please move her to another seat,” the man said, pointing at me.
The flight attendant approached me and asked me if I was all right. I just nodded, unable to say a word without letting tears rolling down my face.
She then turned to the couple and said, “Sir, ma’am, I must ask that you lower your voices and show respect for your fellow passengers. she said in a firm yet courteous tone.
“We are all here to travel in comfort and peace, and your comments are causing unnecessary disturbance.”
But the couple persisted. They demanded I change seats.
The flight attendant left and that’s when the captain‘s voice echoed. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your flight attendant speaking. We ask that you please maintain a respectful tone and refrain from any further comments that may be hurtful or discriminatory. Thank you.”
I was offered a seat at business class. Not because the flight attendant wanted to please the couple’s outrageous demand but because she thought I deserved to spend the rest of the flight in peace.
That day, I learned that there will always be someone there who would stare at me and question my beauty, but I know that the true beauty comes from the inside and is inspired by resilience and self-love.
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Bored Daddy
Love and Peace
