Koralys De La Cruz

Write a creative story responding to the prompt: “If someone were to step into your soul right now, what’s the story?” It can be fiction or nonfiction.

Caramel skin tone, round face, brown hair, bright smile, quiet yet outgoing, and an indescribable aura. This young woman displayed all these things, but what was going on inside of her? What was the story? Her story? As I step into her soul I keep these things in mind. Entering, I am hit with a wave of emotions. Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, anticipation, and more, all wrapped up inside a clear box with a neat bow. It appears she tries her best to keep them that way: wrapped up, as if trying to make such a mess of emotions appear clean. Even inside of her soul you can tell she is trying to keep it together. She is trying to remain sane and organized. 

Looking around I find myself staring at a beautiful altar. It is decorated with the finest fabrics, colors of gold, purple, and royal blue. An elegant praise dancer gracefully dances in front of the altar jumping and twirling with ease, while an identical girl pours out her heart in song. Both expressing their gratitude and worship. I see such faith and devotion to God, although doubts and insecurities swarm around the space like honeybees. She trusts that there is a purpose from heaven above. That is what drives her. She is full of self-motivation and perseverance because she knows that there is someone greater who will give her the strength no matter what. 

Passing the altar I enter a dark lane. This lane contains millions of images and flashes of memories that I assume marked this young woman’s life. I see a young little girl crying as she says her last goodbye to her grandmother at her funeral. I see that same little girl getting diagnosed with a back condition. I watch as she battles with this condition and how it affects her mentally, emotionally, and physically. I watch as she watches herself through every mirror, despising how different her body appears than the rest. I feel her pain and discomfort during her treatments and x-ray appointments. I witness her first heartbreaks, accomplishments, failures, and more. I witness the many times she would cry herself to sleep and the many times she would force a smile upon her face. I experience every moment and feeling with her as I pass through this dark lane. 

Stopping at the end of the lane I smile when my eyes fall upon a huge vision board. It is displayed at the very center of a plain white wall causing it to stand out. It contains every hope, dream, and plan for the future. Hope for better days for herself and her loved ones. Dreams of being genuinely happy and satisfied with her life choices. Plans to pursue a profession where she can listen to others and help them solve their problems. Every single goal crafted with love and care onto this board. This personalized board glows with promise and potential. It is quite a creative sight. Alongside this wall is a stand with picture frames. Pictures of the most important people in her life: family, friends, old and new. These were just a few things that I was able to take in when in this young woman’s soul. 

So what’s the story? After walking in her shoes, feeling every emotion, looking into her past, and taking some glimpses of her possible future, I have concluded that I don’t know what the story is. All I know is that she is like every other human being: imperfect. She is insecure and curious of what is to come. She is battling with deep emotions, tribulations, and demons in disguise. She is seeking where and to whom she belongs. She is trying to be understood and find a place in this broken world, just like everyone else. So maybe we all share the same story, despite the difference in genre, language, culture, and chapter details. Our story is to belong, to feel loved, to be understood, and to reach self-actualization.