Court moved his arm around Crys’ back. The palm of his hand was on the bench seat they sat upon, and the only part of them that touched was the inside of his shoulder to the back of hers. They continued to look at the laptop she was writing on. He noted, “you’re ruining my reputation.”

“I’m sorry,” she instantly apologized!

Leaning a little more into her, “it’s okay, I’m happy to let you.”

Her left hand pulled the hair behind her ear as she turned a pretty shade of flush, “do you think the tone is okay? Or maybe I’m not giving enough information. I want people to feel the truth, not just read it.”

“Without telling everyone what happened, you put a personal note in there. I thought that was sweet!”

“What if it isn’t to others? Just because it means something to me, doesn’t mean it will to anyone else. What if they don’t believe me? Or they don’t care?”

“Not everyone will, right?” He took her hands so that she was no longer wringing them.

“What if,” worry had Crys dropping her head. “What if I’m just mimicking my mom’s voice, and I’m not even doing that well?”

He had her hands in his lap, “we’re all influenced by the people and things that inspire us. Their voice will always show in our passion because they touched our heart. And maybe that’s how we live on, when the next generation picks up our voice and carries it forward.”

A shaking hand touched her lips to repress strong emotions. She leaned into his side, turning her head closer to him to hide the tears in her eyes. Impulsively, he kissed the side of her head.

#DefinitelynotDisappointed #SelinaElliot

Author’s Note: the voices of doubt ring loud and clear far too often. ‘There’s no original story anymore’ is probably the one that hits the hardest because Imposter Syndrome is a real, and common fear. But it’s important to remember that carrying a voice forward is not being an imposter. I can only hope that my voice inspires someone.
Selina