Growing up, witnessed

I stopped into the library today to pick up holds and return a couple of things. The person at the front desk who helped me was the longest-term page currently working there. When he was hired, I was still working. He was 14, a homeschooled kid, very reserved, had difficulty speaking loud enough to be heard, didn't look anyone in the eye. Also I'm sure the acne didn't help.

Three years along, and the young man who greeted me was standing up straight, shoulders back, smiling and making eye contact. He's taller now, and his face is pretty much cleared up. It's tempting to call it a magical transformation, but I am pretty sure his real, lived journey was anything but.