King of the Hill

Whit was never one to have friends. If you were to ask how he became part of the gang he couldn't have answered that question. As far as he was concerned, like all things do, it just happened.

Which isn’t entirely true, whit became friends because he was bullied.

While the children played Whit would watch in the distance. Wanting to be part of the gang, but being new, he didn’t really know anyone. Yet he loved this spot.

The park was beautiful, stunning in fact. High above the village surrounded by woods. Nearby a half-frozen river added a soothing yet unique symphony of cracking and groaning ice, as the slow-moving water meandered past the frozen banks.

The grounds were continuously covered in soft fluffs of white. This is where the children would build snow forts, have snowball fights and slide down the crisp frosted hill upon wooden sleds.

The sun was already high in the sky as he took in the view, it was a most wonderful sight. From here the village crested the edge of the world spreading out before him were mountain tops and endless sky. The tree above him offered shade from the suns rays, while the fresh snows sparkled before him.

Mesmerized by the beauty, Whit never noticed two boys running towards him until it was to late. The first punch jarred him so much everything became blurry, when they began to kick him he realized what was happening but was powerless to stop them. As far as he was concerned this was it. Until a tiny form came racing from nowhere and stood between him and the bullies. She was small compared to the two boys, but defiant. They laughed and pushed her aside and were about to pummel Whit again when a larger form rose like a shadow. Dominating the space between him and the ruffians. Who instantly froze.

The large boy gently helped the young girl up and before another altercation could take place the two cowards were last seen running down the hill and out of the park.

He was rescued by two strangers, but he did not go unscathed. Not only was he beat up, but his right arm was broken.

That is how Whit met Izzy and Penny, In fact it was Penny who gave him the nickname ‘Whit’ while she wrapped her own worn scarf around him. He didn’t know why but he liked it.

Penny was a tiny thing with tattered clothing and disheveled mop of dirty blond hair. While Izzy was larger than most and wore new attire. Yet, as different as they were, there was no doubt that they liked each other

For the following week they went to him everyday, talking and helping him the best they could. Whit knew it was because of Izzy and Penny that he healed. He enjoyed listening to the two of them banter and laugh. Soon, with their aid he was able to watch the children play in the park once more.

However, Whit was never the same, he often found himself getting weak. Yet every time, it was Izzy and Penny who visited him. Doing what they could until he felt better.

Soon, more children joined them. At first he felt disoriented and scared, when they surrounded him, talking so fast he couldn’t understand a thing they were saying, but they were having fun. Maybe because Penny and Izzy were his friends or perhaps because he was the new addition to the group, Whit became the center of attention.

For a while anyway.

However, after realizing he couldn’t participate in all the games, the children went back to being children. All except for Izzy and Penny who met with him almost everyday. Sometimes they would join the others but mostly they enjoyed hanging out and talking. What he enjoyed most was being a confidant. For what ever reason, every buddy at one time or another, shared a story or a secret with him.

There were conversations that brought him joy, while others made him confused and even sad. Especially the day Penny approached him alone and whispered secrets about her abusive stepfather and the things he did to her. He didn’t know what to do, except listen.

Then, one warm day Izzy and Penny’s attitude changed. Their conversation became animated and lively. The began talking about summer and all the things they would be doing. Swimming, fishing, camping, playing ball. Their excitement became infectious. Whit became excited as well. He imagined swimming in the lake, sprawling upon the warm sand, watching the waves flow upon the beach. Camping sounded like so much fun. He had never done that. He envisioned himself sitting by a fire with friends.

All was going well in his world, until one day Penny never showed up. He waited with Izzy for her, but Whit never saw her again. The children would whisper her name, and the joy seemed to vanish from the group. Yet, in time like all things Penny’s name was no longer mentioned, the children continued to play without her. To Whit this didn’t make sense.

Every day Izzy would stroll to meet Whit, and they would sit under the large tree. There were day’s when Izzy never spoke, and when he did it was mostly about Penny. They both felt the loss.

The scarf was all he had of her.

Time moved on and every day the sun shone longer and brighter, the snows began to recede, the season was changing. Summer was all anyone talked about. Fewer people showed up, except Izzy he still came to the park everyday.

Whit hoped that Izzy would be happy once summer arrived, so he could do all the things they discussed.

Then it happened, sudden and unexpected. One afternoon when the children were running about Whit became weak. His energy wasn’t the same. The world became fuzzy and distorted. For two days he remained weak. Everything was a blur. He had visions of hands reaching out but that too seemed surreal. He didn’t feel he was going to get better this time.

The fluffy white of winter was disappearing, patches of brown and green were everywhere. The river roared louder then it ever had before and there was a constant drip as frost and ice released its grip upon the trees. A patch of white remained beneath the tree.

One day when the sun was out and the temperature began to rise, Whit watched Izzy slowly walking towards him.

Plopping down in front of him, Izzy talked to him, like the old days. It may have been an illusion, or delirium but when Izzy mentioned Penny, he was sure his voice cracked and his eyes turned red. Whit wished he could let Izzy know that he missed her as well, but he was barely aware.

Whit suddenly realized that for him there would be no summer, it was never meant for him. But it sounded so nice. His world became dim and hazy. The last thing Whit saw was Izzy smiling at him, then nothing more.

Izzy sat on the damp ground, staring at the tiny pile of snow, watching a memory melt away. With a sigh he stood, and picked up Penny’s scarf.

A sweet voice called out. "Sorry I'm late."

Izzy gazed upon Penny, her cuts healing nicely, the yellowing from the bruises all but gone. Smiling, knowing she was finally safe.

Holding hands with the innocents of youth, they strolled down the hill, turning back one last time to see all that remained of their friend.

Thank you,

Jason