Shattered

Fragment One

Pride, the only thing that I thought of as I witnessed my grandson playing with his toys. Thomas has never been a rather intelligent kid, but more of a reserved and sluggish one. He never, and I mean never, plays anything. He's six and yet he targets walls to shoot with his rubber darts, something very aggressive and concerning for a six-year-old.

- "Grandma?" Thomas randomly blurted out.
- "Yes, Tommy?"
- "Do you think that the army people will ever need an arrow shooter guy? I'm pretty good at that and I'm really nice, you know that right? I think they'll like me."

Although shocked, I managed to form letters together to form the words that I wanted to say...

- "An archer, you mean, and yes Thomas, I'm sure they would love you. The thing is, I'm not too sure that they need an archer, specially with the new machinery that is being developed. More complex things are used now a days, but I'm sure you can go towards another career. What do you think about going to the Olympics?"
- "But grandma, I need to go! I'm super good! I can headshot a bunch of people, I will keep everyone safe! I swear! An archer isn't cool grandma, all they do is shoot. I want action, I want rush, I want to know that I did something before I disappear g-ma."

Speechless, tears formed in my eyes. He had the same dream I had, and at such a young age. He was so hopeful and I had overlooked this, comparing him to other kids his age and doubting his capabilities and mindset.

- "Thomas, come here." I said, as I patted the couch.
"Let me tell you a story."
- "A story? Why? About what? Right now? Grandma I was setting up the ne-"
- "Hush child, and let me explain. You're going to love this one. And before I start reading, may I just say, you're going to be the best archer in that army."