Page:Clones - Ryan Somma.pdf/21

 "But what you can do is channel that hurt into productivity! Every time you feel slighted, don‘t snap back at the jerk insulting you, take those emotions and donate money to a clone-rights organization, write a letter to the editor defending cloning, start a blog about clone discrimination, or join the political party most sensitive to clones.

"Do something productive! Those self-righteous religious nuts can say anything they want, while you are doing something. In the long run they will have nothing but their insubstantial anger to give them warm fuzzies, while you will have a lifetime of accomplishments behind you. You will have changed the world!

"Don't…" I concluded with a heavy sigh, resuming my seat, "Don't let others judge you by their ignorance,"

There was only silence then, and I simply stared at my hands. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't want to make things worse than I'd already done. Who'd've thought something so simple and innocent as having oneself cloned could carry so many oddball repercussions? When I finally did look up, everyone was staring at me, perfectly composed.

It was Alex who spoke, "That was good Dad." The others nodded their agreement.

I started to say, "Thanks Al—―"

"Don't ruin it by saying anything more," Alex warned.

Joan and Emo nodded their agreement.

So I just smiled.