Radically Happy

Retell the story of Narcissus, but as a 1950s high school student, modeled on the musical Grease
Add a redemptive character who helps narcissus’ confront his underlying self-hatred, which restores his relationship with self and others

The Prompt

At Rydell High, the teachers and parents were more than they appeared. They were, in fact, the elder gods in disguise, watching over their immortal offspring as they navigated the trials of teenage life.

Zeus, the authoritative principal, kept order with his thunderous voice and stern demeanor. Hera, the school’s guidance counselor, was always trying to instill a sense of loyalty and honor in the students, despite her own struggles with jealousy. Poseidon, the swim coach, and Demeter, the home economics teacher, both taught with passion and a connection to their elemental domains.

The students, on the other hand, were younger gods and demigods, blending in among the mortals. Eros (known to his classmates as Eric) was the charming, mischievous student who always seemed to know who had a crush on whom. Hercules, or “Herc” as everyone called him, was the star athlete, admired for his strength and heroic deeds on the sports field. Athena, the valedictorian, was revered for her wisdom and strategic mind.

Nick “Narc” Johnson, the epitome of 1950s cool, was actually the mortal reincarnation of Narcissus, still grappling with his age-old self-obsession. He was unaware of his true identity, living as an ordinary teenager enchanted by his own reflection.

One day, the new student Jenny (secretly Psyche, an immortal with a heart full of empathy), arrived at Rydell. She was sent by the gods to guide Narc on his path to self-awareness and redemption. Jenny, with her innate kindness and patience, saw through Narc’s façade and recognized the deep-seated self-hatred masked by his vanity.

Jenny invited Narc to join the theater club, which was rehearsing a play about self-discovery and acceptance. Under her direction, the cast included their divine classmates: Eros as the romantic lead, Hercules as the heroic figure, and Athena advising on the script.

As Narc immersed himself in the play, he found himself increasingly drawn to Jenny. Through her gentle encouragement and the play’s poignant message, he began to confront his insecurities. During the pivotal rehearsal, Narc’s heartfelt monologue about self-acceptance struck a chord with the entire cast, gods, and demigods alike.

Witnessing this transformation, the elder gods were moved. Zeus, usually stern, showed a rare smile of approval. Hera, seeing Narc’s journey of self-acceptance, felt a pang of hope for her own struggles. Poseidon and Demeter praised Narc for his courage.

With Jenny’s unwavering support, Narc transformed. He mended relationships, not just with his mortal friends but also with his divine classmates. Eros, always quick with a quip, acknowledged the change in Narc with a genuine nod of respect. Hercules, once a rival, became a steadfast friend, appreciating Narc’s newfound authenticity.

By the end of the school year, Narc was no longer defined by his looks but by his kindness and sincerity. The gods, both elder and younger, recognized the growth in him. With Jenny (Psyche) by his side, Narc’s journey of self-discovery became a beacon of hope, illustrating that even the most self-absorbed soul can find redemption and genuine connection.

Beauty Soul Dropout (Narc’s Redemption)

(Verse 1)
In the mirror’s shine, I’ve lost my way,
A prisoner to reflections every day,
Chasing shadows of who I wish to be,
Blind to the truth that’s inside of me.

(Pre-Chorus)
I’ve been drowning in a sea of doubt,
Wearing this mask, I can’t live without,
But behind these eyes, there’s a heart that yearns,
For something real, a soul that burns.

(Chorus)
I am more than what you see,
More than the image staring back at me,
In this light, I’ll stand tall,
Embrace the cracks, and let them show it all.

(Verse 2)
I’ve been hiding scars, I’ve been hiding pain,
Afraid to show the world what’s not the same,
But with each step, I feel the weight lift,
As I learn to love, learn to forgive.

(Pre-Chorus)
No more mirrors, no more disguise,
I’ll face the world with open eyes,
For every flaw, every imperfection,
Leads me to my true reflection.

(Chorus)
I am more than what you see,
More than the image staring back at me,
In this light, I’ll stand tall,
Embrace the cracks, and let them show it all.

(Bridge)
The whispers in my mind, they start to fade,
As I find my strength in the choices made,
No longer bound by the chains of pride,
I walk with love, with friends by my side.

(Chorus)
I am more than what you see,
More than the image staring back at me,
In this light, I’ll stand tall,
Embrace the cracks, and let them show it all.

(Outro)
So here I am, no mask, no fear,
I’ve found my voice, it’s loud and clear,
For in this heart, I’ve found my place,
A love that’s true, a warm embrace.