I ran across
the empty school
to reach the bus stand
before the bus left for home
without me.
I was late.
I was eight
and scared
and too far from home.
I didn’t know the way back
or simply, how to go.
My heart ran faster than me.
My feet were jelly
as I wondered if I’d have to
spend the night at school.
I heard your voice
as you called my name
from the second floor corridor
where you were searching me.
All of a sudden,
the world righted itself on its axis.
You ran down, scared for me.
I don’t remember what you said,
just that I hugged you
and you hugged me.
I wasn’t scared anymore.
You were here–
my eleven-year-old hero.
Neither of us are much of huggers
but it has been too long
since you hugged me, big brother.
I miss you
and I hope you miss me too.
Short Stories | Fish-eye Perspective 
what a gorgeous story; very moving —
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Thank you, John! How are you doing?
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thanks for asking, Shaily; as John Denver says, ‘Some days are diamonds, some days are stones’ —
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Have you planned a vacation once you are well again?
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might go on a cruise, Shaily —
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Great! It’s a good topic to write about as well, you known, unknown lands with elephants (Olephont in hobbit-speak) and dragons…
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đŸ™‚ thanks Shaily; health up and down atm
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Beautiful memory and wish.
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Thank you, Don.
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