Watching Her Grow

She is so small. But aren’t all four-year-olds?

I hover around as she plays with her toys. She looks up at me occasionally, smiling.

I smile back, wishing I could hug her. But I have no body, no way to interact with the physical world.

I will do my best to be here for her, though.

***

It is her first day of elementary school.

She waits by the bus stop with her parents holding each of her hands. She seems excited, eager to meet new kids her age, while they look like they’re about to cry.

I don’t know how to feel.

I won't be able to interact with her, the reason for my existence, but I can't be her only friend. She needs friends who can play with her and hug her. And grow with her.

The school bus pulls up beside the sidewalk, and she quickly boards with me following close behind. Even if we don’t talk until we return home, I will support her.

The school day goes by smoothly and soon enough, we're home and playing in her room.

“So, do you like school?” I ask.

She makes a face, “It’s fun, but I can’t talk with you.”

“True, but the others don’t need to know about me.” I make a shushing gesture.

“I don’t like ignoring you.”

I shrug. “It’s okay. I’ll always be here for you.”

She grins, "Thanks.” Then returns to playing with her blocks.

***

A few years pass, and soon enough, she is in fourth grade.

She doesn’t talk to me quite as much, between school, friends, and after-school activities,

But that’s okay. I know it’s a part of growing up, even though she’s still a child, and I’m there for her when she needs someone to talk to.

I watch her do her homework, math, to be exact. It doesn't seem too complicated, although she pauses at a few of the questions.

She’s a brilliant and creative student who always has shining report cards. Everyone is proud of her. Including me. I just hope she develops a strong sense of self beyond school.

***

Running as fast as possible, she slams the door shut once she reaches her room, tears streaming down her face.

My heart breaks as I sit next to her on the bed, wishing I could hold her.

Seventh grade has been anything but good to her.

The popular girls torment her every day at school, her parents are having issues with their marriage, the schoolwork is nonstop, and we might have to move to a new place.

After a while, she lifts her head from the pillow and sniffles, “Why do they hate me?”

“They don’t hate you,” I try to soothe, “They’re just trying to hide their insecurities.”

“But I don’t do anything to them.”

“I know.”

“I wish those girls would just leave me alone!” She throws the pillows across the room, hitting the closet door.

I nod.

I want to tell her that things will get better, but I’m not sure she’ll be able to comprehend my words.

***

“Do I look okay?” She smooths out her pale blue dress as she stares at her wall mirror, waiting for her prom date.

I stand and move next to her, “You look beautiful.”

She smiles, “I’m glad you’re here still.” She walks around her room. “Most high schoolers don’t chat with invisible people.” She smirks, “Unless they have mental health issues.”

“It doesn’t matter what others do.” I sigh, “And you don't have mental health issues.”

“True.” She stops and eyes me. “You’ve been the one constant in my life.”

“That is my purpose.”

The doorbell downstairs rings.

She takes a deep breath. “Well, that’s my date.”

I smile, “Have fun and be safe.”

“I will.”

I watch as she opens the bedroom door and leaves to experience an important adolescence.

***

Boxes are everywhere. Some are empty. Some are taped close. But most are half-filled with like items.

“I can’t believe I’m leaving for college in a couple days.” She wipes the sweat from her brow. “Pretty sure Dad is plotting to keep me here.”

I chuckle, “Probably.”

I can’t help but think about everything we’ve been through and everything we will go through together.

And I can’t wait to see what happens.

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Subscribe for more content!