Different

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is hosted by Priceless Joy. This week’s photo prompt is provided by, Sonya, from the blog, Only 100 Words.

“It’s a pain to be different”, Victor said.

” Being different is a part of one’s life, it is what sets you apart “, came the reply.

Victor reverted, saying “I never asked for an unnaturally high IQ, it just makes me stand out, and not in a good way.”

” Sometimes you need to come to terms with what the gifts that nature has bestowed upon you before you understand their value, let’s go to the new zoo, Victor, it’ll help you forget all this. ”

At the zoo Victor saw a stunning peacock, which wasn’t exactly normal, either.

” Victor, do you know what is wrong with that peacock? “Victor’s eidetic memory kicked in and he said, ” Yes, it is a partial loss of multiple pigments , called leucism, commonly mistaken as albinism, which is just the loss of melanin. ”

Even as Victor said that he realized, that the peacock’s disorder was also the source of its unnatural beauty.

” I don’t think it’s such a pain, to be different.”

It turns out that white peacock’s are extremely rare in nature, and occur largely due to selective breeding. Which is why I had to make up a zoo in the story, whereas under normal circumstances I am quite against animal captivity.

The condition called leucism is real and is the reason why we have white tigers.(one of the most majestic animals in my opinion)You can read about leucism here.

The inspiration for Victor’s eidetic memory and exteme intellect is based upon a condition called savantism. According to Wikipedia,

“Savant syndrome is a condition in which a person with a mental disability, such as an autism spectrum disorder, demonstrates profound and prodigious capacities or abilities far, in excess of what would be considered normal.”

Which is the basis my premise that he would be having a lot of difficulty fitting in.

Let me know what you think. 🙂