The worst part about growing up is realizing how cruel people can be. Children in particular can be especially ruthless. There is a certain brutality when a child says something hateful. They hold no reservations and speak whatever venom their parents hide behind closed doors. All thought is learned, and children observe and repeat without understanding—until they believe what they unknowingly speak. When you experience this as a child yourself, it often does not occur to you until years down the line how wicked those words were.
For when you ask, “Can I play with you?” On a playground of your kindergarten class, joyful shouts and laughter ringing through the air. You can feel the warm sun on your skin and the fresh breeze kissing your round, sweaty face. You hardly know what game is being played, all you understand is that they are smiling so they must be having fun. You smile in return, making to show all of your gap-toothed grin. You are oblivious to the smiles of your playmates slipping off their faces and melting into pouts, much like ice cream on a too hot day. “No!” is the first thing said. To read more of Can I Play With You? click here.
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