60th of Winter, 498 AV
"You look like a girl."
"Well you look like a dead fish."
"Your hair makes you look stupid."
"Better than actually being stupid like you."
Even playful banter was beginning to sting
She laughed them off, he insulted them back, and tried not to be upset. It was all in his head, he told himself everyday, but he worried all the same.
Rael sighed, flopping down onto his bed. It exhausted him, wondering who knew, who might suspect. How many others were like his aunt and he, able to see past his flesh. If there were any, no one had made any comment, but he lived in constant worry, that one day, someone would figure it out, that he'd walk out onto the streets and see people pointing and whispering and laughing. That might be the worst.
Too many odd looks. Too many teasing comments. Should just cut it off, he thought. Fingers played with light brown hair, pulling it forward to see. Definitely past his shoulders now, long enough to attract attention. He didn't need attention, didn't need people gossiping about him, that boy who insists on growing his hair out long. He should just cut it, and let her deal with it herself.
He didn't, of course. Why, he couldn't say. It was certainly more common for a girl to have short hair than it was for a boy to have long. And then he wouldn't have to deal with people wondering, even if he did like it better like this, sometimes. It was just his hair.
He scowled, annoyed, and brushed it back. Why couldn't his life be simple?