friendship
C.S Lewis got it right: friendship is born when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one!"
Best Friends
This all started when we met almost a lifetime ago. We grew up in the same neighborhood, on the same block, three houses down from one another. Our parents were close because they moved into the neighborhood on the same day and were around the same age. It was safe to say, we would naturally be best friends, which eventually happened, in fifth grade. When this magical event took place, we were seniors in high school, both with full ride scholarships to the colleges of our choosing. Every summer we help the elderly couples in our neighborhood. During our summer before college, we united two people after a fifty-year misunderstanding, and gained much more than we bargained.
By Cherie St. Marthe5 years ago in Humans
Henry
It was a hard job; there was no denying it. But the families made it harder. Henry should have been in a home by now but his daughters were still clinging to his ‘independence’. The fact that he was clinically dependent upon Mara made no difference; he was, and had always been “a private man, not one to make a fuss”.
By Molly Rampton5 years ago in Humans
A Job To Do
Most days there are crows outside my apartment in the old sycamores that look dead in winter. Sometimes they try to get my attention; other times they are merely a comforting presence. A few days ago they catapulted me back to that August day just over 2 years ago when their relatives, the ravens, lined the top of the A-frame on Farrar Street. That was the first time I went to Matt's house, full of excitement and uncertainty. I was not sure what my future held and was therefore open to signs and portents from the natural world. Since the massive black birds were the only ones home that afternoon, I asked them why they were there.
By Nina Reierson5 years ago in Humans
Finders Keepers
The sound of sprinklers carried across the green as they rotated. The air was cool, still early, though it already carried the promise of midday heat. The sky was a hazy blue, with wisps of cloud, sun still low in the sky. A little girl sat against the cool concrete foundation of the public library. She had bony knees, one of them with a scrape. There were grass stains on her white socks. Her long brown hair was tangled and starting to frizz up from the humidity. She had a huge corduroy book bag with appliquéd flowers on it, the bag dwarfing her small frame. On her lap was breakfast; a candy bar, and a can of coke with beads of condensation running down the sides. She took a long, satisfied sip. Both acquired via a vending machine.
By Monica Owen5 years ago in Humans
Marvin
I couldn’t believe I was witnessing what I once thought of as a dream, a fantasy, as impossible, to become a reality. Opening week at RepubliK nightclub was a complete success! The multitude of people walking out, would express nothing but excitement about what they called the “best day ever.” Not only was the club a success, the Tapas bar attached to it sold out every night and the dance classes were packed daily! Part of me couldn’t believe it yet, but I had to snap back into reality and tell myself “it is real.” People from all over the surrounding areas were coming to our town for the fun, the music, the delicious food, and the memorable experience! The smile I once shared with my angel, was now a smile I could share with everyone. The best part about this moment was that I could live it with my feet planted on the ground. RepubliK was nothing but a vague dream I had since middle school. A simple dream that a simple man could not make possible. Or so I thought. Let me tell you how my angel in disguise made me realize the importance of a smile and kindness to others, as well as the way he helped this ordinary man turn his life around.
By Mario Garnica jr5 years ago in Humans
The Tree
Alright then, I’ve decided; I should die. I remember when I was younger, I was always taught that no matter how bad life gets you can always pull through. I was taught that even if you’re close to the edge, about to give up, someone will save you, something would change, in the end you’d come home and you’d live your life. I was taught through television, and stories, and lies. I thought it was silly for anyone to give up like that. Now I understand.
By Daniel Harring5 years ago in Humans
If It's Five Million
Michigan, 2019 I’m standing in my little blue kitchen cooking bacon, thinking of Stasia. Every time with bacon, Stasia comes to mind, because she first taught me. In Virginia, when we were teenagers. Her momma Ruth sitting to the side, eyes a little glazed but laughing deep. Ruth, she could laugh, and so much made her, even with all the sadness she carried. Stasia’s standing over the pan, gently flipping each piece, one by one. You know how a moment can happen and you don’t know then that you’ll come back to it, for the rest of your life? This – it’s that.
By Lisa Gordillo5 years ago in Humans
