A Cosmic Flash
Usually, Zarina was as excited as the rest of her friends about the mysteries of the universe—the cosmic flashes, the shimmering lights, and the endless possibilities that lay beyond the stars. But today was different. Today, as she stood among them, she felt like the ugly duckling, awkward and out of place.
While her friends laughed and shared theories about what might really be happening in the skies above, Zarina felt a heaviness in her chest. It was as if an invisible weight separated her from their enthusiasm. She glanced around, trying to engage with their fervor, but all she could see were their bright smiles and sparkling eyes—symbols of a joy she struggled to grasp.
Deep down, Zarina knew what lay at the root of her discomfort. She felt like the ugly duckling, just like in the fairy tale. In her mind, she was different, a misfit among the vibrant flock of friends. Her doubts swirled around her, and with each laugh that echoed across the group, her insecurities swooped in to whisper that she didn’t belong.
The thought of trying something new—the idea of voicing her own thoughts about the cosmic flash—sent shivers down her spine. What if they laughed at her? What if they didn’t care for her opinions like she cared for theirs? What if they decided they liked her less, just like the ducklings who pecked at the one who didn’t fit in?
As those familiar feelings of inadequacy enveloped her, Zarina couldn't help but glance at her reflection in a nearby window. Her hair was unkempt, her clothes felt mismatched—the very embodiment of her perception of 'ugly.' She scrutinized herself, convinced that the more she noticed her flaws, the more they would overshadow any brilliance she might possess.
The cosmic flash ignited in the sky, casting an iridescent glow over her friends. Their shrieks of delight pierced the air, further distancing her from the joyful moment. She felt an overwhelming urge to retreat, to hide away where her insecurities wouldn’t be so readily on display. But deep down, a flicker of defiance sparked within her.
What if, just like the duckling, she was merely in the process of discovering her true self? What if these feelings of isolation were simply part of her journey? She took a deep breath, watching her friends beam with excitement. She realized she didn’t have to be perfect to participate; her voice mattered—even if it quivered.
With a newfound resolve, Zarina stepped forward. She decided to embrace her differences rather than hide them. As she opened her mouth to share her thoughts on the cosmic flash, a thrilling energy coursed through her. Perhaps she couldn’t change the way she felt at that moment, but she could choose to be brave.
And so, amid the laughter and astonishment of the cosmic mystery, Zarina chose to join her friends—imperfect, but undeniably her own. Just like the ugly duckling, soon she might discover that she was meant for greatness, and that she had always been part of something beautiful, even if she couldn’t see it at first.