as i sit in solitude
a small hand touches my shoulder
i turn to see a little girl
she has brown hair and freckles
she wipes a tear from my face
"why are you crying?"
i can't seem to answer her
words catch in my throat
i can't bear to break her again
instead, i open my arms to her
she curls against me
silent tears drip from her eyes
her body shakes in fear
i hold her as she sobs
i want to say something
i want to apologize
i find myself wondering what she sees
does she see a disappointment?
does she see a boy who can't break from his fall?
but i know she doesn't
as if to answer, a whisper breaks her lips
"i'm proud of you"
i squeeze her tighter
silently wishing things could have been different
