Ami's Story
Ami met Andrew on April 6, 2006. Her 10th birthday. He was 13. Ami was sitting alone in a sandy corner of the playground, away from all the children. She had a blue balloon tied to her wrist that said "Happy 10th Birthday!" written in purple on it. No one had cared to say Happy Birthday to her, not even the teachers. She was sitting in a soft patch of dirt drawing shapes and animals, when a shadow covered the earth she was writing in. She looked up right into the hazel eyes of a young boy she had earlier seen playing with friends.
He extended his hand out to her, smiling, and said, "Hi!" She quickly looked back down at the earth she was writing in. He looked at her confused and sat down next to the little blond girl. "So, its your birthday?" She nodded slowly, not looking up at him. She wiped away the shapes and animals she was drawing, and continued to draw a puppy. "well, I hope its not too late, but Happy Birthday!" Ami sat there frozen and mumbled something he did not catch.
"What did you say?" He asked her. "I said, 'Its not too late.'" she said louder. "Oh." The bell rang for recess to end. The boy got up and extended his hand, again, to her. She looked at him and shyly took his hand. "I'll walk you to class, okay?" He asked her. "Okay." She said quietly. He smiled at her and she smiled back shyly. They got to her class and said goodbye. "Wait!" Ami yelled softly after the boy. "Whats you name?" she asked shyly. "Andrew." He smiled and walked off. "Andrew." She repeated.
She took her seat in Mrs. Bonnie's class and thought about the strange boy, who said happy birthday to her, for the rest of the day.