In a shade beneath a branch
On a spot beside a creek
In a place that is still, with only wind and greenery and earthy smells
On a bench I sit alone, comfortable in my own clothes
Someone is coming along
In a practical outfit but without shoes
With a smile and a reckless skip
With a laugh that melts me, and mixes with the hum of the creek
He asks if he can sit with me
"Of course." I say
He is warm. "Do you know where you are?"
I shrug. "I don't. But it's very nice."
"You're some place that won't be here forever. It will change soon."
"But at least it's here now."
He nods and chuckles. "Enjoy it."
"I am. I'm glad I'm not enjoying it alone, to
“Last night I dreamt I was in the hospital again.” said Simon. He leaned against the fence, and now his gaze was aimed directly at the pavement. He made a nervous gulp, but nearby a flurry of jogging en masse muffled it. He was thankful for that.
Not looking, he could still tell that Jasper Day was looking at him.
“You didn’t tell me you’d dreamt that before?” was the response. Jasper squeezed at the loose fabric of his oversized grey hoodie. He watched his classmate from the other side of the chain link. Did Simon want to be left alone?
“Oh, then…I guess never mind. Sorry, that was dumb.