There was a person with learning disabilities in our neighbourhood, a man named Johnny who was 19 years old at the time of this story, while I was a 43 year old divorced woman who lived alone.

Although Johnny was suffering from Down syndrome, he was very kind, polite and responsible. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about some of the guys and girls of his age who usually mocked and bullied him, despite having a healthy brain. I noticed that he is able and willing to learn and have a normal life. His disability didn’t affect him or people who interacted with him that much. I considered him an adult, so did his parents and the people who really knew him. Those who didn’t were simply mean and wanted to belittle him.

There was only one field which Johnny was still considered a child in it. You can easily guess which one!

I noticed that he had become sexually mature as well. Despite he tried to hide it, I noticed that he is showing sexual desire for women. I knew he was suffering and couldn’t have a girlfriend.

One time, one of the mean young women tricked him. She faked having feelings for him and indirectly encouraged him to approach her. Then she pulled a prank on Johnny and shamed him in public.

I felt sorry for him. He was a good person and didn’t deserve that, nobody does.

Johnny’s parents were kind to him and took care of his needs until he grew and became an independent man in every field, except one.