PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz
Life
Gemma returned from school. Tears were in her eyes. All the other kids hated her. The time honoured tradition of hating the nerd because gasp, she might be more intelligent than you. Probably is and it’s probably not hard to be. She had been bullied for years. One day life would be better, she told herself and began work on her bike that one day would be able to send signals to outer space and see if there was life there.
Years later that ten-year-old was now thirty. She sent a signal from her bike, waited.
“Hi.”, said a voice.
For Friday Fictioneers Writing Prompt. Check out the website at:
culturevultureexpress 
It is so sad that bullying is common for children that are highly intelligent. Glad this little girl’s project ended in fulfillment but would it make up for her treatment at school.
Probably not. As someone who faced bullying most of their school years, for been introverted, it probably doesn’t. All through school you kind of say you’ll show them someday but years gone on it becomes more for yourself than them. Which I guess is how it should be. But no, scars are still left no matter how much you try to get rid of them.
I’m sorry you had to face bullying. I am very introverted but was lucky I didn’t have bullying on top of it. It is hard to break the mould. I hope you have had your moments.
Bullies are responsible for so much talent never seeing the light of day, for they squelch spirits and destroy dreams.
I never quite fit in where I went to grade and high school so I understand the feeling. Many people have that complaint. It seems common. Cliques are terrible. I had my own friends so it didn’t crush me. Good writing, Lisa. 🙂 — Suzane
Thank you Suzane. 🙂
Bullies are a curse but she is showing them now. Nicely told
Thank you. 🙂
An uplifting story a downtrodden person bullied for being different. Thank you for reminding us of this silent killer in society.
From bullying to contacting other life. Great story.
Thank you. 🙂
Time, patience, and intelligence will win every time! Great story! I really enjoyed it.
Than you. 🙂
Being the nerd just means that reward comes later… in many ways.
we need to respect people. Someday they may just surprise us all.
The nerds and geeks are usually the ones who grow up to run the world. Good story.
Thank you. 🙂
Good take on the prompt. I see Gemma has fallen into the common error of thinking EVERY-body hates her. Children like that need help to recognize that as a lie.
Glad she was able to turn her attention to a more rewarding pursuit.
Coincidentally, I’m reading Nick Vujicic’s book, Stand Strong, this weekend. Good advice on how to overcome bullying.
Nice when hard work pays off – Gemma will have the last laugh on the school bullies.