The Present By Nathan J

I’m lying on my bed trying to escape the sadness of always being left out. I try to visualise myself before the accident happened. I suddenly realise my dad has walked in my room. I’m surprised because he never really disturbs me. He has a weird grin on his face like he is hiding something from me, it’s not a bad thing. It has me puzzled.

Dad orders me out of bed. I groan and groan. I feel annoyed, I just want to be left alone. He tells me to get dressed and throws me this special shirt. I don’t know what it’s for. I put it on and unbelievably it makes me feel special. I’m not sure why though. Dad tells me to get ready we are going for a drive.

The  drive takes us across many winding roads. We stop for lunch. Then we’re on the road again. I’m constantly questioning my dad about where he is taking me. Finally he tells me what the shirt is for. I shout in joy and as much as I try, I can't stop. I suddenly freeze there is a long pause. Can I become a scout with only one hand?

Tentatively, I walk into the large room. I am really nervous because I’m sure none of the children there will like me. They’ll see me as being different. A boy around my age walks over to me. Suddenly I feel the fear running through me. I feel the tension in my muscles. I’m scared he is going to tease me about my hand. As the boy is about to talk. I interrupt him. “PLEASE don’t tease me about my hand.” “Oh sorry if I worried you,” says the boy. I just want to say, “It's ok to be different.” I’m speechless, I thought he was going to tease me. But he just wants to be my friend. I have just met my new mate Peter.

Excitedly I run to my dad saying I have a new friend, I have a new friend. We get in the car and we’re on the road again. We travel for what feels like hours. We finally stop for dinner. Once we get home. I start laughing. Best day ever!

I stayed with the scouts for many years.