These Hearts, They Beat For You

Silence filled the class room. The wind blew outside and the leaves rustled. A squirrel scurried up a tree and squeaked. A bird flew up ahead and you could hear its wings flap. Cars beeped. Children laughed. Outside, the world was alive.
But inside, their hearts beat together.
They beat for the boy who was gone.
They beat for the boy who walked into school one day carrying a plastic bag because he gave his bag away to another who got hers stolen.
They beat for the boy who ate alone at lunch; with nothing but half an apple because he saves the next half for the next day.
They beat for the boy who spoke quietly, as if afraid to disturb the peace of the still waters outside.
They beat for the boy who gave effort in helping them with what they needed help in.
They beat for the boy who had the shortest pencil he could hold but was still able to share his knowledge.
They beat for the boy who hugged them when they felt down.
They beat for the boy who smiled even when the skies were dark.
They beat for the boy who listened to them when no one else would.
They beat for the boy who kissed their wounds and gave comfort.
They beat for the boy who had nothing but gave them everything.
They beat for the boy who lost everything but gained nothing.
One beat. Guilt.
Two beats. Sorrow.
Three beats. Regret.
The boy who hugged, beat himself inside. The boy who smiled, cried behind it. The boy who listened, got yelled at every night. The boy who kissed, got slapped and punched.
They took him for granted. They used him for their own benefits and pleasure. They thought he’d always be there.
But he’s not.
One day he didn’t come to school. The students noticed at about lunch time when he wasn’t in his usual seat. They just shrugged and thought that maybe he’d come the next day. Of course, he didn’t. Nor did he the next, or the day after that.
This boy committed suicide because he was depressed. His body was found at the river bank at the end of the waterfall. He died alone. He didn’t deserve to.
They beat for the boy who was gone.

I dedicate this to the people out there who are trying so hard to be happy; the people who are going through so much but still laugh with their friends and admire the simplest things. I want you to know that whatever it is you’re going through, you’ll make it. Don’t give up like what this boy did. If you kill yourself, the people who knew you are going to be affected. No matter what it is you think, they DO care and they DO love you. Their hearts beat for you. You matter. You’re worth it. You can do this. Stay beautiful. Better days are coming.

“The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they do not wish the pain they’ve endured on another soul.”