Choose to Take the Journey

The little boy sat on a log, staring at his finger.

The little girl saw him and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“My finger hurts,” said he.

“Well, did you try the medicine?” asked she.

“I did,” said he.

“Did you go to the doctor?” asked she.

“I did.”

“Did you–“

“I did.  I tried all of it and it still hurts!”

And the little girl sat on the log beside him.

“This is so yummy,” said the little girl, slurping away at her noodles.  “I was really craving it!”

The little boy looked at her and smiled.

“Didn’t you like it?” asked she.

“No, I did,” said he.

“Why don’t we eat what you’re craving next time?” said she.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“It’s a deal!” said he, turning to his noodles.  He thought they somehow tasted better all of a sudden, as he slurped away.  Maybe next time they would eat noodles again!

“Do you love me?” asked the little girl.

“Of course,” said the little boy.

“You don’t have to, you know,” said she.

“I know.  But I want to,” said he.

And she reached out and held his hand.

“I’m sad,” said the little boy.

“How come?” asked the little girl.

“Because I really need it,” said he.

“Do you really?” said she.

“Yes,” said the little boy.

“I see,” said the little girl.  “Then I’m sad too.”

“You don’t have to, you know,” said he.

“I know.  But I want to,” said she.

And he reached out and held her hand.

“It’s not what I wanted,” said the little boy.

“It’s still fine, isn’t it?” said the little girl.

“You think so?” said he.

“I think so,” said she.

The little boy smiled at her.

“What does that mean?” asked the little girl.

“It means, Thanks.”

She blushed and smiled back.