A miserable soul

This is a short story about a girl named Lillian. Lilian was born with bad luck– so unlucky that people keep their distance and her birthdays are never anything to celebrate. Every day feels grey, every step feels cursed. On the morning of her thirteenth birthday, she faces the world the way she always has…..but will this day be just like all the others?

A miserable soul

On my first Birthday, the sky had shifted to grey and my luck turned unfortunate. Now whoever I spoke to would want to stay away. I know some people have bad days but every single day I wake up, I tend to wish I wouldn’t. I was told all my life I am a miserable and unfortunate soul and to keep it that way. To keep my distance from others so that I wouldn’t disrupt their peace.

“Dont touch the cake.” Aunt Maria whispered in my ears, “Today’s my birthday… I don’t want bad luck coming at me dear.”

It turns out, tomorrow I am turning thirteenth. To me it feels like just another miserable day. At the end of the day you can’t escape who you are.

“What’s with that face?” Mom looked disappointed but still held up the camera.

“Come on Lillian, give a big smile.” She took our picture once again and let out a sigh.

“Don’t you see how everyone else is? Look how happy they are.” She looked as if she was one second away from exploding.

I turned around and looked at my siblings, “I don’t see it. All I see is grey and black.”

My oldest sister rolled her eyes,”Mom just take the picture. We’ve been standing here for 30 minutes now.”

Nicholas, my brother joined in,” I wouldn’t build hope for Lillian. All she does is sulk anyway.”

Mom sighed and held up the camera one last time.

What did I say?
You simply can’t escape who you are. It’s the truth but a bitter one.

The morning of my birthday, the house was empty and gifts were stacked on the table as usual. My family would keep their distance from me especially on this day, for they feared my bad luck would haunt them. My hand reached to open the first gift but loud noises suddenly echoed from next door. Wait! Next door? But I thought no one lives next door? I hurried to the window and peeped out. There was a family of five unloading stuff from their van. I sighed. They’re probably our new neighbors. And another family that will keep their distance. My gaze flicked up back to the window and I jerked back immediately. There was a boy standing in front of me. He smiled and raised his hand to wave. He’s waving at me?I hesitated then slowly waved back.

“Hi, I’m your new neighbour.”, He was the most cheerful kid I’ve ever seen, “My name is Kiran. And you?”

“Me?”

He nodded. But before I could reply, a voice echoed inside his house yelling his name.

He turned to me before leaving, “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you later!”

“Kiran” I whispered under my breath… He seemed like trouble. I sighed, shaking my head before closing the window.

My stomach began to rumble so I checked the fridge, but it was empty. The cabinets only contained expired food so I grabbed my coat to head out to get grocery. The minute I stepped out, rain poured heavily and the streets emptied. Not a single person in sight.
When I stepped into the store, the rain vanished and the sun was visible again. As I walked down the aisle, the machines cranked out and customers got angry. I ducked into my hoodie tighter and my feet sped up. I wasn’t focused on where I was going so I crashed into someone, making their produce fall to the floor.

“I’m..I’m so sorry.” I bent down immediately to pick it up but–

“It’s ok. It’s no big deal.” His voice sounded familiar. He stooped down next to me and I looked up at him. Kiran. The boy from earlier.

“Mistakes happen.” He chuckled picking up the fallen fruits.

“What are you doing here?” The words slipped out.

He smiled and stood up, holding out his hand to me. I stood up myself and he smirked.

“Our house is still empty because of the move so I came to stock up.” He took a couple packs of sweets as he moved along the aisle.

“Oh.” I turned to walk away–

“What about you?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Where’s your family?” My feet stopped.

“What do you mean?” I turned around. Did he find out about my luck?

“My mom stopped by to drop off some pie to the folks down our street. It’s a thing she does to make new acquaintances.” He shook his head.

“And?” I realized I was becoming a bit too curious about Kiran’s thoughts so before he could continue–

“Carry on with your shopping. I’ve got to go.” But he pulled my hand.

“What are you doing?” I pulled my hand away immediately.

He smiled, “You were about to bump into that pregnant lady.”

“Oh. ..Thanks.” I turned to leave-

“If you want..you can have lunch with me and my family.” He rushed.

“After all, who spends their birthday alone?” So he did know.

“Aren’t you scared my bad luck will stain you and your family?”

He smiled,”My folks and I don’t believe in that stuff.”

“Still–

“Let’s go.” He walked ahead and stopped waiting for me to catch up. I slowly moved forward.

As we moved forward, the machines began to work and customers looked happy. I couldn’t believe it. Could it be because of him? I looked at him as we cashed the food. The way he helps others. And the way he’s full of joy. As I looked forward again, it wasn’t black and grey anymore.
I could see different colors. It wasn’t fully there. But it was there.

During lunch, I helped his sister set the table while his mom served the food. For some reason it felt like I was a sixth member.

“Did you do that Kiran?” I asked as I took a bite of the salad.

“Kiran was always a mischievous child.” Ms Barb laughed.

Suddenly the lights went out. But somehow light was beaming brightly behind me. I turned around and Kiran stood there with a cake lit in his hands.

“Happy birthday Lillian.” He placed it in front of me and everyone stood up

.“Happy birthday to you…” They sang but I just sat there, something weird forming on my lips. A smile? Yes. A smile. I let it overtake me as I blew the candles. As the lights came on, I tried to hold back the tears. Everything was colorful. I could see all the colors. Bright and clearly.

The end….