Leave It to The Loudmouth Americans

As a, a child, I was apprehensive to the point of tears

when encountered with new situations

and the prospect of meeting new people.

I thought some would hate me.

Nonsense, my parents believed. "Just be yourself. You don't need to be anyone else. Everyone will love you."

Ridiculous

- flashed across my brain as my five year old mind processed the thought.

Though I obediently put on a smile and went.

Unsure of outcome I set off time and again.

Now

Outcome(')s still unknown-

Smile.