~Cloud-watching promises~
"Iggy! Please don't go! Can't you stay for a little while longer?"a little boy whined, tugging on the older man's tailcoat.
"I'm sorry America, but I can't stay away from my people too long," replied the man, his bushy brow arching. After all, it was a rare sight to see his little colony act so needy.
America's eyes began to tear and he tugged the fabric faster. "But then I'll be lonely. . ." he trailed off, He bit his bottom lip, his head curving downward as he began to inspect the size difference of their shoes.
England smiled, amused at America's behavior. Without warning, he picked the small colony and began to playfully whirl him around the air, America's high-pitched giggles and screams bringing a smile to both of their faces. But when he saw the large ship, at the shore, ready to take off for it's long journey back to Europe, he frowned and demanded to be put back down.
Carefully, England placed the child back on his feet before crouching so they were almost at eye level. "Later on, you will realize the responsibility that is put on us countries. One of those responsibilities is to help our boss rule our people fairly. So that is why I have to go back."
Seeing the waterworks resurface, he quickly added,"But America, your people are my people too. So, I'll come back soon."
The promise seemed to do the trick, for the American was grinning, his perfect little teeth shining in the sun. "You'll come back soon, surprising me like a hero would!" he exclaimed excitedly, his imagination running wildly again.
England chuckled at the small boy's enthusiasm. He heard the faint signal come from the boat, the bell's 5 chimes warning of it's departure time. He quickly kissed the top of America's forehead. "I'll come back soon, like a hero would," he vowed before running towards the shoreline.
America waved back. "Bye Iggy! Don't forget to keep your promise!"
America watched the boat until it disappeared from the horizon. He then ran to a secret place only he knew, a place where he could be at peace. He reached a field full of different types of flowers, their arrangement of colors making a colorful rainbow. He inhaled the scent of the fresh, unpolluted air and listened to the bird's songs as they told of their day.
He laid on his back, his eyes now watching the sky, as if his eyes reflected the sky's own deep-azure color. He gazed at the clouds, watching as each one passed by.
Everyday from England's departure until England came back, he dutifully returned back to the field, gazing at the clouds until the sun had set. And everyday that he cloud-watched, every singe cloud that passed reminded him something off England, either his eyebrows, the unique shapes of his cooking, or his smile.
But fate had something in store for them, for the next time they met, they weren't sharing meals with each other, laughing in amusement, or conversing happily. In the end, England couldn't keep his promise, to return as a hero. He returned as a villain, the enemy of America and his people.
After England's return to America to fight in the Revolutionary war, America has not stepped in that field again, never to inhale the scent of the pine trees, sleep in a bed of flowers, or watch the clouds pass lazily by. For those activities reminded him of the promise England couldn't keep those many years ago.