Okay.
I write back.
Don’t be mad.
Okay.
Can we be friends?
No.
Why not?
Because.
Because why?
Please leave me alone. I’m trying to learn.
Me too.
Then leave me alone.
Not until you agree to be my friend.
Fine, I’m your friend. Now leave me alone, bully!
He flips the sheet of paper over now that most of the front is filled with our hasty scribbles.
I’m not a bully!
You just bullied me into being your friend.
I charmed you into being my friend. There’s a difference.
Whatever.
I smile, finally lifting my eyes to his.
Who is this boy?
This sweet, happy boy with a smile as bright as the early morning sun and eyes like the green grass of late spring? He’s definitely charmed me. I’m not sure if I find that annoying or cute.
He looks away, back to our paper, and writes something else. My eyes follow his hand as he pens his final words…
Friends forever.
After I read it, he balls up the piece of paper and tucks it inside the front pocket of his backpack.
I have no idea how very true those words would be.
