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Child’s Play

November 23, 2021 6 Comments

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“You’re not going to do it. You’re scared!”

I puff out my chest. “I’m not!”

I look around at the crowd that has gathered. My classmates, mostly, but some older kids, too. The river flows fast beneath me, thundering over rocks and sand, and maybe, I think, over the bodies of kids just like me. Panic twists painfully in my chest.

The boys jostle each other, jeering at me. It’s not far down, and I’m a good swimmer.

From the corner of my eye, I see Mrs. Henderson approaching, fear flashing across her face. I take a deep breath and jump.

By VR Gregg

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen C says

    November 23, 2021 at 7:04 am

    Wow – very powerful in so few words!

    Reply
  2. Cathy Cade says

    November 23, 2021 at 7:30 am

    It’s the rocks that stand out – nice one.

    Reply
  3. Rita+Riebel-Mitchell says

    November 23, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    The power of peers… well done!

    Reply
  4. David says

    November 25, 2021 at 6:49 am

    A great tale about peer pressure and courage. Does it take more courage to jump and face the dangers of the river or to ignore his classmates?

    Reply
  5. Valli Henry-Boldini says

    November 26, 2021 at 7:10 am

    It takes courage to overcome peer pressure… I felt all the emotions … well done…kudos…

    Reply
  6. Indra Raj Pathak says

    November 30, 2021 at 3:16 am

    Actual power lies in daring to move forward under pressure. The piece effectively conveys the message. Every line is reflective.

    Reply

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