Tell me what you think of when you hear the word "hero".
You probably think of strength to start out with, and courage. You probably imagine someone you know or know about, someone you admire; could be someone with lots of power, or someone with a unique talent put to good use. Heroes are smart, confident, fearless, and unbreakable. Right?
Bet you didn't think of anyone weak. Bet the words "afraid", "lonely", "stupid", "impulsive", "dishonest", or "hollow" never crossed your mind. And if they did? Congratulations!
You're just. Like. Me.
I have adoring fans that gaze at me like I'm the greatest thing they've ever seen, but all they've ever seen is what I choose to show them, which isn't much. They all call me a hero, but if they knew the real me, if they knew what I've done, they'd all turn their backs on me faster than I can run. I'd never live it down.
Heroes have their lives all together, don't let people get to them, and always know what to say.
Totally doesn't describe me. My life has been one bloody car wreck after another and now it's all piled up in front of me. I'm too weak now to climb over and there's no way I'm going back. No one knows how bad it really is, and I'm afraid, but also kind of relieved that no one ever will.
I find myself wishing that, if only just once, I didn't have to be the hero of the story.