“It's a genetic abnormality, Polymelia of sorts.” They said at the hospital.“Though rarely are extra appendages so fully developed.”

The cruel boys at school didn't understand. “Stop talking with yourself.” They would utter, pointing, laughing. Growing up, he remembered their words, their stares. Their fear, his loneliness. It strengthened him, made him determined.

Before the audition though, he was awash with nerves, sick, frightened, and forced to endure the cold glances of the other contestants. Stepping before the cameras he made himself remember the school, and he smiled at the judges. Twice.

Then he sang a duet, with himself.

The performance made a million viewers cry, went viral, got twenty million hits, sent his first single multi-platinum.

After, basking in the applause, there had been tears of elation, but he could not forget the cruel boys.

The royalties paid for his surgery. There would be no more duets.