Read below in Notes and Credits
I wake up in a sleepy haze. My muscles ache in protest as I groggily get out of bed. Memories from the previous day flood back into my mind as I stand. Telling everyone. My mother gasping. My father looking depressed. My friend August looking at me, like I’m the strangest person in the world. My brother giving me the death glare. The teachers yelling at me. Getting sent home. Collapsing on my bed, letting tears flow freely. Yeah. I came out to everyone, telling them I identified as non-binary. There was a lot of yelling involved. But the thing is, I honestly couldn’t care less. I’ve told them who I truly am. I don’t need to hide in the closet anymore. But I still feel nervous as I pull my clothes on and head downstairs. Out of everyone, my mom reacted the worst. When I go down the stairs into the bright and airy kitchen, I’m surprised. My whole family is there: My mom, my dad, even my brother Aidan. My mom speaks first. “Amelia, we’re sorry.” She says. “I’m sorry. I reacted terribly.” Then my dad speaks. “I’m sorry I didn’t pay attention.” He apologizes. Finally, my brother tells me: “I’m sorry. I should of supported you.” My mom speaks again. “So… I guess we can’t call you Amelia anymore… any ideas?” I grin. “Orion. You can call me Orion.”
