At the Playground

Two good friends loaded up the kids and headed for the park one day. They chatted in the shade and watched their children play just yards away. They caught up, sharing life’s highlights: “The kids love school.” “My new job’s great.” “My brother got a scholarship.” “We’ve booked a cruise and just can’t wait.” The kids were in their own grand world, just swinging, soaking up the sun. They said nice things about their friends, shared snacks and toys, just having fun. Their moms got bored with pleasantries and tossed decorum to the side. Their tone of conversation made a drastic change, from sweet to snide— “I don’t like Ann.” “Nadine’s a snoop.” “Janette’s so fat she wobbles.” “Bob, my loser boss, tells corny jokes.” “My neighbor’s a disgusting slob!” Then suddenly, there came the kids! They’d heard just snatches; still, they knew their mommies seemed so mad and sad. Exactly why—they had no clue. They’d make those frowning mommies smile. They couldn’t stay upset for long. They’d get them on the monkey bars and sing for them a cheery song. *************** Kids are perceptive. We must show our good side so they’ll clearly see how people should react and feel, the world as it was meant to be. June 20, 2021 entered in the At the Playground contest Sponsor: Shreya LN