Here to Stay

I had it in my head that if I became popular, every day would feel like my birthday. I’d have no trouble talking to girls. I’d be admired by my peers. I did not think everything would turn to crap salad in a bucket. In all the movies, the popular kid who ascends from dorkdom has their day in the sun, and then it’s smooth sailing. Marty McFly gets the truck. Daniel LaRusso gets to crane-kick Johnny. But my name isn’t Marty or Daniel. My name is Bijan, and the world won’t let me be the hero in my own damn life.