By Brian Taylor
Just home from school, the boy walks into his mom’s room, where she’s on her bed, texting.
“Mom, I made a girl laugh today,” he says.
Not looking up, she says, “You didn’t say anything nasty, did you? Am I gonna get a call from the school?”
He chuckles. “No, Mama, just being silly.”
Still looking down, she says, “Well, you’re a funny kid. Maybe you’re finally making some friends.”
“Maybe,” he says.
He did make a girl laugh. Several of them, when two boys pulled his pants down and punched his stomach. They laughed even harder when he started crying.
Hard and equally sad. An indifferent parent oblivious to her child’s suffering at school. Somewhere down the line it could end badly.
I could feel that nice little boy’s pain. His mother’s negative attitude and lack of interest made the situation worse.
Great capturing such a vivid picture with so few words the emotions I felt excellent writing
I can attest to the fact that sixty years later the mother will lie on her bed, a tear slowly creeping down her cheek, wondering why she lies there alone.
Couldn’t agree more
Too bad for the lad, but that’s a funny story.
Ooh what a tragic story – I feel for this kid not being able to talk about the bullies – the situation is awful but the words you use to express it are wonderful.
very beautifully done.