One in a Million

Uriah is staring out of the window and looking at the stars. It is just before bedtime. His eyes gaze off to the stars and he begins to count them. “One. Two. Three. Four…” “Uriah, are you counting the stars again.” “Yes, I think there might be a million up there.” His mother joins him at the windowsill where he sits and places her arms around him. “You see that star way up there?” Uriah looked up not sure which one she is pointing at. “You really have to look. It is shining very bright. That star way up there is the most special star out of all of them. Please always remember that star that shines is you. There are millions and billions up in the sky. Pick anyway and you’ll see it is special in its own way. So, no matter how many stars or people you can still shine. Make everyday a special-wonderful-spectacular day.” Uriah squinted his eyes looking at the vast sky. In his head he repeated what his mother had just said. “You never have to worry son. Now, it’s time for little boys to head to bed.” Uriah groaned in protest, but he did what he was told. He climbed into his bed and his mother began to tuck him in. “Momma tomorrow is going to be a special-wonderful-spectacular day.” “Goodnight my little star-gazer, and remember what I told you. His mother kissed him on the forehead and Uriah fell fast asleep thinking about the stars and the words of his mother. The sunlight shined through Uriah’s window. He stretched up to the ceiling thinking what a beautiful autumn day it was. He rolled over wiping the drool off the side of his face and rubbing the crust from his eyes, and the clock read 8:30. “Ohhhh noooo!!!! I am going to be late!!!” The bus would be arriving in ten minutes. Uriah scrambled throughout his room looking for something to throw on. With a toothbrush in one hand and a sock in the other, he tried balancing himself as best as possible as he hopped up and down on one leg. BOOM!!! Uriah hit the ground with a massive thud while trying to put on his sock. “URIAH!!!” His mom’s voice echoed throughout the house like a bomb. He got up off the floor. Today was already off to a rocky start. He ran downstairs and was greeted with disgust from his older sister Bella. “Mom ewww look at your son. An ugly green striped sweater with khaki pants! You’re such a weirdo. Mom please I can’t be seen with this thing on the bus the kids will make fun of me.” Bella hissed rudely as she zipped her backpack. “Oh behave yourself. That is not an ugly sweater. I picked it out myself.” His mom said smiling and adjusting Uriah’s sweater to fit right. Uriah’s little sister was up in her highchair and babbled, “Ugly sweater.” “Haha even the little Booger Monster agrees.” BEEP BEEP BEEP!!! The bus honked loudly in front of the house. Mother gave her kids hugs and kisses and pushed them out of the front door. Uriah didn’t feel so well. So much for the special-wonderful-spectacular day! Uriah walked onto the bus and the bus driver, Ms. Pushy Patty, that’s what the kids called her because it was her way or no way, looked at Uriah and screamed, “You are one of fifty kids on this bus. I will not give you special privileges. Be on time next time!” You could see the foam form on the sides of her mouth as she hollered. Uriah put his head down and headed towards the back of the bus. His sister and the rest of the fifth graders shook their heads no when Uriah was looking for an empty seat. All the seats seemed to be filled. The only open seat was next to Amanda Rose. Amanda Rose was the weirdest kid in his class. She believed that magical unicorns would somehow rule the world. Amanda eagerly patted her seat and waved her arms enthusiastically to get Uriah’s attention. “Com’on Riah, you can sit next to me and my magical buddies.” Uriah gave a half smile and reluctantly took his sit. When he sat down he realized that he forgot his homework on the counter. He pounded his head on the window slowly. Amanda Rose patted his head with one of her stuffed animals. So much for the special-wonderful-spectacular day.