Sophie

15

"A Parting"

"I suppose this is goodbye," said the girl in the heat of late June.
"It's a shame we have to leave each other, like this and so soon."

"I agree," said he to her, glancing at the ground.
To this she replied bashfully, "Maybe I'll see you around."

"I suppose you may," said he with truth, "But seldom do I, outside of school, see my former youth."

She nodded her head understandingly and mumbled, "It depends."
"Sometimes I forget to remind myself that we're not actually friends."

The mood became distinctly somber, complementing the grey of the sky. She was overcome with sadness and unrest for some reason she could not identify.

"Well, thank you, sir, for all your help," she forced herself to add. "Don't mentioned it," he returned, sounding himself rather sad.

But the girl was far from finished expressing her gratitude.
"Your lessons and inspiration have changed my attitude."

She could see that she was smothering him, but still, she went on, "Your influence on my character has made me truly strong.

"I won't forget this year, sir, no matter how hard I try."
On that queue, she left him, pairing each step with a sigh.

Their paths had crossed just that once–never again did they meet–but the impression that he left on her was one which no one ever beat.