The Able SC Equip Program, for youth ages 13-28, hosts a number of activities for youth with disabilities to join and engage with their peers. Our Creative Writing Club is hosted online via the group’s Discord channel every last Thursday of the month from 6 to 7 pm. Members are invited to write stories together, socialize, and share their ideas and creativity.
Recently, the club hosted its first-ever Creative Writing Contest! The purpose was to celebrate Disability Pride, with the winning selection set to be posted here on our Able SC blog. Equip Leader Abigail Garrick planned, marketed, and coordinated the contest. We announced in April of this year, 2025, that we were seeking youth to write a story celebrating disability pride. Youth were invited to send in their entries during the entire month of May. We would work to select a winner during June. Abbie and the other Equip staff reviewed several stories looking for a piece depicting disability pride. When the staff landed on Brydon LeBlanc’s story, the “Birth of Love”.
Brydon LeBlanc wrote a one-page story about a hero who was born without a magical power that he needed to be recognized by the King of his nation. However, even without that power, he was loved and treasured by the princess. Through a series of trials, he proved his ability, advocated for himself, and was recognized by the King for his resiliency without the magical power. Brydon writes of a hero with a disability in his world who was loved regardless and made a change that impacted the world around him. For this, he has been selected as the winner of our first Creative Writing Contest.
We congratulate Brydon for his outstanding writing! Continue reading for Brydon’s story:
Birth of Love by Brydon LeBlanc
In the heart of Neverwinter, whispers of power echoed through the cobblestone streets. A young warrior, desperate to win the heart of Evelyn, learned of an ancient prophecy: to gain the power of gods, one must face trials that test not just strength but the very essence of one’s soul.
Evelyn was a light in his life. Her laughter danced like sunlight, but a dark cloud loomed. The king, her father, had decreed that no suitor could claim her without divine power. The warrior, fueled by love and determination, set out to prove himself. He sought the Oracle, who spoke of three trials: the Trial of Might, the Trial of Heart, and the Trial of Sacrifice.
He faced the Trial of Might first. In a cavern of shadows, he battled fierce beasts. Each victory brought him closer to his goal, yet doubt crept in. Would strength alone be enough?
Next came the Trial of Heart. He entered a realm of illusions, where his deepest fears took form. He saw Evelyn in peril, trapped by the king’s orders. With every ounce of love, he fought through the illusions, proving his heart was true.
Finally, the Trial of Sacrifice awaited. Here, he had to give up something dear—his memories of Evelyn. It was a heavy choice. Holding onto his love would mean losing his chance to be with her forever. But in that moment, he realized love was worth any sacrifice. He let go, and in that act, he found the power he sought.
With newfound strength, he returned to the kingdom, ready to claim his love. But tragedy struck. As he approached the castle, he found Evelyn lying lifeless, a victim of the king’s guards. The warrior’s heart shattered. He fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. Each drop that hit the ground pulsed with raw emotion, and in an unexpected twist of fate, the tears glowed with divine energy.
As if summoned by his grief, Evelyn stirred. The king, witnessing this miracle, was struck with awe. He understood then that true power was not just in strength or divine gifts; it was in love—pure, unwavering love.
The king, now humbled, knelt before the warrior. “You have proven yourself,” he said. “You deserve her. Marry her, and may your love guide the kingdom.”
With a heart still heavy yet filled with hope, the warrior embraced Evelyn. Their love had defied death and transformed the king’s heart. Together, they would rule with compassion, understanding that the true power of a god lay in the bonds they forged.
Neverwinter would remember this tale—a story of trials, love, sacrifice, and the healing strength of tears.