the attic of my mind

Rolling Fields

It was the second grade math bee

We sat there talking

You hadn't seen me before

I don't hang out around people that much

I said

We should be friends

Okay

I didn't know what being friends meant

I'd never had one

You went up first

You got the answer wrong

It was 12

By the way

But when it was my turn

I just stood there

I couldn't breath

Everyone was staring at me

I felt so alone

Even though you were right behind me

That should have been my first warning

I ran out of time

And had to sit down

I started to cry

You told me not to worry

It's not that big of a deal

But my mom was there

Mom was never there

And I disappointed her

But you didn't get it

Your parents were always there for you

They always said you did such a good job

Even if you couldn't count to twelve

My mom just glared

A few years down the line and we're still friends