The Man Who Laughed At My Shirts 

By: AnnaMaria Leal

While he might have been twice my age, the man who laughed at my shirts made this quirky girl feel seen. 

As I climbed the rocky terrain of my awkward stage the man who laughed at my shirts made me feel like there was still hope that I could one day find someone my own age who appreciated the witty banter and unique sense of humor this shy girl would display proudly through her choice of graphic tees.

These shirts were nothing special but to me they oozed the personality I had wished to show to the world, the fun bubbly side of this 16-year-old girl who had been playing grownup for as long as she could remember.

The man who laughed at my shirt made me feel safe, despite being a passing character in the story of her life. He will never know the impact a simple laugh had on that little girl as she struggled to find a balance between maturity and who she really is. 

So, with the deepest sincerity, thank you to the man who laughed at my shirts.