Set in 2272 - 250 years from now
"Marvin, please take off that hat. It's identical to Vern's. You do want to be unique, don't you? Everyone in Brissford Elementary is unique." the teacher said, in a patient tone. She had dealt with many wayward children over the years, and knew that eventually they all came around.
"I don't care if it's the same. I just like it, Ma'am. And Uncle Donny gave it to me." replied the polite child.
Summer frowned. Most six year olds were almost desperate to please the adults in their lives. It was hardwired into them to be this way until early adulthood. This little one was different for some reason.
"Alright, Marvin. But remember, being different is what makes each of us so special!"
Then a hand shot up from the middle of the classroom.
"Yes, Vern?" Summer asked, smiling brightly.
"If I took off my hat, would we both be special again?" asked Vern, always eager to find a solution.
"No, Harry has the same color hair as you. And he's not wearing a hat." she answered regretfully.
Vern's face fell for a few seconds, then suddenly lit up. He made a few quick cuts on several pieces of construction paper, then fashioned them into a party hat. When he donned it, a few of the children laughed.
"Children! What is the motto of Brissford Elementary?" Summer asked.
"Celebrate all that is unique." replied the class as one. The ones who had laughed blushed in embarrassment.
"Well done, class!" encouraged Summer.
Marvin smiled. He would not be forced to leave his present in the desk all day after all! For he had no doubt that he would have lost his battle before long, had his friend Vern not been such a quick thinker. Unlike many people, both children and adults, Vern seemed able to see many solutions to the same problem.
When Marvin walked out of Brissford Elementary to greet his parents, he noticed that the sky was a dark grey, as if a storm were coming. The wind was blowing a little, causing the early spring day to feel chilly.
Usually the cafe across from the school looked bright and cheery. Today, the people sitting in the outdoor area were huddled in their jackets, sipping hot coffee. One elderly man noticed that the gentleman at the other table had a jacket like his. Regretfully, he removed his own jacket, and folded it. He then placed it in his handpainted carry bag.
As Marvin watched, he thought to himself that he would never be willing to do that. "I guess I'm just different... I don't mind being the same as someone else."
Realizing that at six years old he didn't have much say in how the world worked, he decided to keep his views a secret. "Maybe I can change things for the better when I'm bigger..." he thought, remembering the politicians featured on the news. "They're always making rules. I could do that!"
Describe what you see
I see a day that promises bad weather. I also see buildings, each unique and yet the same. Over some of them are identical avatars. Each person represented probably feels special - and has a deep need to maintain that, among millions of other individuals.
Describe what you feel
I feel like in such a large, uniform society, most will go to any length to retain an individual identity. But in doing so, are they really going their own way? Or just following the masses?