Monsters Among Elites (On-Going)

Chapter 1 - The School of Dreams

"I know this is sudden, but, please, it will only take a moment."

"Are all human beings truly equal?"

I thought about the odd question for a second. The fight for equality has echoed throughout history, and the 21st century was no exception.

Most would say a proper society will always strive for equality. For example, people who clamour for men and women to be considered "equal."

In the quest for a just society, people have championed equality between men and women. Efforts have been made to promote this sense of "equality" that we so desperately yearn for, such as increasing the employment rate for women and introducing specialized subway cars for their convenience. The public perception of disabled individuals has also evolved, with many advocating against labelling and discrimination. Nowadays children are told that all humans are created equal.

I held a different view. People possess unique abilities and strengths, which naturally lead to diverse roles in society. You can't expect a chef to become an electrician without prior experience, and individuals with disabilities, no matter how they are labelled or spoken of, remain people with disabilities.

"No, they are not," I answered.

He nodded. "I agree, humans are not equal."

"But do you know why they aren't equal?"

"Because they are born different at birth," I replied.

"That's a factor, but it's not the whole story." He nodded but then shook his head.

I considered this so I replied. "Of course, there's a difference in status and—"

"Not arbitrary things like that," He interrupted.

"Then?"

"Why do you think humans are so diverse when compared to other organisms, why are we humans so special?"

"Because to be human is to be unequal."

***

April. The school entrance ceremony.  I embarked on a bus ride to my new school. The bus swayed and vibrated with each bump in the road as I gazed out the window, watching the urban landscape gradually transform. At a scheduled stop, the bus came to a halt, allowing more passengers to squeeze into the already crowded vehicle.

Most of the commuters were young students dressed in identical magenta high-school uniforms, much like my own. However, amidst the sea of youthful faces, I couldn't help but notice an elderly lady who struggled to maintain her balance, swaying as if she might tumble onto the unforgiving bus floor at any moment.

Like the other passengers, I initially offered nothing more than a fleeting glance, my reluctance to surrender the coveted seat I had managed to secure. I put aside this unfortunate event, but it didn't involve me, as my gaze shifted to the young woman seated beside me, her eyes were as deep as an ocean and as vibrant as sapphires and her skin was as white as snow. She was currently adjusting a delicate flower-shaped hairpiece, her efforts hampered by the bus's relentless movement.