"So, can you tell me when this all started?"
Lindsey stares at me with her notebook in hand, thick framed rectangles sitting atop her nose which really should be pushed back into place. I sit quietly on the sofa, hesitating. "Ten years ago," I start, before taking a pause. Ten years. Had it really been so long? I sigh, and continue. "Ten years ago, at a trip to the park with my mother." The sentence leaves a strange aftertaste in my mouth, and I am left feeling rather numb. I know he is waiting outside for me, and that when I come out he may be a bit angry with me for sharing the story of our meeting, but I must share. I cannot keep this to myself any longer, because I have realized nothing has really been quite right since we met.
I am snapped out of my thoughts by Lindsey's voice. "Would you care to tell me about the first time?" I nod, and take a moment to recall the tale…
It is one o'clock in the afternoon. I know this because my special wrist watch that mother got me tells me so. I am still learning how to tell time, but Mother says I am ahead for my age. That's exciting. I am six years old, and that's exciting, too. I am also sitting on the swings, by myself while Mother reads, looking up occasionally to make sure I haven't wandered off. I sit, letting my legs dangle and watching them carefully. I am very proud of myself to have gotten on the big kid swings all by myself, although I wish I had a friend to push me. Most children like me, I think, but I haven't got many friends besides my puppy, Peppermint. She's really sweet and I love her, but she isn't the same as a real friend. She can't talk and play like I do. So I sit on the swing, daydreaming about a real friend.
I am pulled out of my fantasies by a young boy watching me from the playground. He looks like he's my age. He and I are the only ones at the park. Taking a deep breath and summoning my courage, I jump from the big kid swing and make my way to the other boy. He is pale and has very black hair. His jeans are strange and have holes in the knees, and he has a regular tee shirt on. We stand there, staring at each other for a moment before I make the first move.
"I'm Barnaby." I say, holding out my hand. He looks at it, and hesitates to take it. "Mar." he says, taking back his hand after shaking mine. He looks as though he's somewhat unsure of what to do now. "It's nice to meet you," I say, nervous. "Want to play?" He looks at me, pondering it, and I almost become embarrassed. "Okay." He shrugs, and I grin widely. He mimics me, showing strange teeth. "Tag!" he suddenly exclaims, tapping my shoulder and running off. I am stunned for a quick second before I grin once more and run after my new friend.