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The Blocker

Not all superheroes wear leotards and capes.

By Mark GagnonPublished about a year ago 1 min read
The Blocker
Photo by Tim Hüfner on Unsplash

Today, people around the world seek me out, hoping I can help them find peace, but it wasn’t always like that. My childhood was filled with ridicule and pain from both classmates and relatives. They couldn’t understand why I had no desire to remember the bad things that happened in my life. How can you not remember? coming down with chickenpox, or falling off your bike and breaking an arm? For them, these were all memorable events, but for me, they were negative parts of my life that needed to be forgotten.

My ability to block out negative memories grew stronger as I grew older. While other schoolmates walked around depressed because of a bad date or a lost football game, I was happy 100% of the time. “What are you on, man?” was a common question they asked me. My answer was always the same: positive thinking. Block out the negative events in your life and the only thing left will be happiness.

A girl stopped me in the hall one day and asked, “Will you teach me how to block out all the terrible events in my life? My parents died in a car accident and every day I think about joining them. Can you help?”

We met after class. I was unaware that my ability to block negative thoughts was a superpower, but I needed to help her. Placing my hands on either side of her head, I could connect to her thoughts. Together, we constructed a wall around all her negative experiences. When we finished, she smiled and said, “Life is beautiful!”

Now I spend my days doing what all superheroes do, helping people live their best lives possible by saving them from the evil in their minds.

Microfiction

About the Creator

Mark Gagnon

My life has been spent traveling here and abroad. Now it's time to write.

I have three published books: Mitigating Circumstances, Short Stories for Open Minds, and Short Stories from an Untethered Mind. Unmitigated Greed is do out soon.

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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  1. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (9)

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  • Kathleen Warrenabout a year ago

    A superpower that I sure wish I had! Glad to see you’re writing, Mark. Hope your new adventure is going well.

  • Hannah Mooreabout a year ago

    But...how does he KNOW he's happy?

  • L.C. Schäferabout a year ago

    This one has a dark edge to it! Clever stuff 😁

  • Lamar Wigginsabout a year ago

    We could use a hero like this. Many in fact. Great job with the story that brought his power to life.

  • Tina D'Angeloabout a year ago

    What a great superpower. Most people would hold that one for themselves!

  • Please, where can I find him? I need him to help me. I don't know how long more I can hold on

  • JBazabout a year ago

    If only/. So many issues could be defeated with this power. I like your take on this challenge.

  • Testabout a year ago

    This was such a relatable super power for your hero to have Mark!! I love this! It made me smile!! Also, shocked you haven't adapted "The Gift of Life" for this challenge!! 😉

  • John Coxabout a year ago

    Loved this, Mark! Great challenge entry!

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