Myrna hums softly, trying to fight back the nervous flutter in her stomach. Today is another school day, and even though she loves learning, she worries about what awaits her. Her hair glows like polished copper in the morning light, a feature she both loves and fears. With a deep breath, she grabs her backpack and heads to the kitchen, where her mother is making breakfast.
As Myrna walks past the tree, the laughter of the girls grows louder. She can feel their eyes on her, and her cheeks flush as she hears whispers about her red hair. "Why is her hair so bright? It looks so weird!" one girl calls out, making the others snicker. Myrna tries to keep her head up, but the sting of their words makes her heart ache.
Myrna settles into her seat, but her mind drifts from the lesson, replaying the laughter from the playground. She feels isolated, wishing she could blend in, wishing her hair were any other color. When the bell rings for lunch, she packs her things slowly, dreading another encounter with the teasing girls.
Unable to hold back her sadness, Myrna finally speaks up. "Mom, can we dye my hair? I just want to look like everyone else. I don’t want them to laugh at me anymore." Her mother wipes her tears, sits beside her, and gently tucks a loose strand of red hair behind Myrna's ear. "Sweetheart, your hair is beautiful. It's what makes you special . You don't need to change it for anyone. You are special, and you should be proud of who you are."
Myrna listens to her mother’s words, feeling warmth spread through her chest. She realizes that her red hair is not something to hide, but something to celebrate. "Do you really think so, Mom?" she asks, hesitantly. "I know so," her mother replies with a smile, squeezing her hand.
She ignores the whispers and laughter, remembering her mother’s encouragement. When she catches her reflection in a window, she smiles at herself for the first time in days. Myrna isn’t scared anymore—she feels happy, special, and ready to embrace who she truly is.
