Love Is My Superpower

Sofia worked quietly at the table, happily drawing and coloring with the marker located next her. Her makeshift folder made from taped paper was brimming with her creations and materials of paper, popsicle sticks, scissors, and a glue stick. She adored arts and crafts; they were her favorite. She didn’t understand why most of the other kids always wanted to run off to the gym—it always got incredibly loud in there. Sofia shuddered; she wanted no part of the noisiness. She smiled to herself; hanging out with Serena by herself and sometimes with a couple other kids suited her just fine.

Lately, Sofia was ecstatic to work on her own special project. The other kids, if they bothered to join Serena and Sofia in the cafeteria before school, would color random coloring sheets or play some kind of game. Sofia didn’t see a problem with that, but she sought to work on a creative project every morning rather than something random. Developing a wide variety of characters, brainstorming story ideas, considering backgrounds—Sofia was committed to her project. She loved coming in and enlisting Serena’s assistances; Serena always had helpful insight and suggestions. The project was coming together nicely.

This morning was no different. Sofia diligently contributed to the project’s development. She couldn’t wait to show the others her story—she thought it would make a fun play, so she had been gluing her characters to popsicle sticks. The cast was steadily growing; it was so much fun!

Immersed in her efforts, Sofia continued coloring a background and remarked to Serena, who was working on another background beside her, “A lot of adults don't believe me when I tell them I have a superpower, but my mom believes me."

“Is that so?” Serena inquired, cocking her head to the side in contemplation. Superpowers, huh. It’s an interesting concept, Serena mused. “I wonder why they wouldn’t believe you. Anyone could have a superpower, even if it doesn’t seem likely. Anything is possible, after all.”

“Yeah!” Sofia exclaimed, happy that someone else seemed to understand, becoming enthusiastic by the prospect of comprehension and acceptance. Finally! “My superpower is super special,” she confided. “My superpower is love!”

Serena smiled, heart warmed—it was the first time she’d ever heard a child view love as a superpower, but Sofia was quite correct in her assertion. Serena agreed wholeheartedly with the sentiment, unsurprised that so many others doubted the power of love, and sincerely replied, “Love is a wonderful superpower to have. The world could certainly use more love in it. Imagine what the world would look like if more people had that superpower.”

“It’d be great!” Sofia agreed. Her eyes widened in eager anticipation of such a world. “I wish other people would believe. There are so many non-believers.”

“That’s true,” Serena conceded, humming to herself in thought as she added another detail to the background she was currently working on, “but that doesn’t mean you have to let them bring you down. That’s their choice. You get to decide for yourself. The power of belief is incredibly strong, and I admire your superpower.”

Sofia lit up with the brightest smile, beaming from ear to ear. She giggled to herself, bubbling with joy, as she continued creating her beautiful artwork. Serena could have sworn Sofia was glowing—she was that radiant and genuinely happy.

Serena’s heart melted, as she internally squealed in delight; it was so gosh darn cute! I swear, her sweetness and purity makes me want to cry! Serena thought. Sofia’s such a sweet kid. The world could use more love and light like hers. It needs to be protected and cherished like the genuine blessing it is. I hope you keep and treasure your superpower, Sofia. Love is truly the strongest superpower of all.