The Boxer Rebellion
I had just moved in. My books were finally unpacked.
The next morning, they were back in boxes.
Ghosts, I assumed.
That night, I sat in darkness to see what would happen.
The window creaked, then opened.
I flipped the lights. A boy stood there, frozen.
“Hey,” I said.
Nothing.
“Did you…?” I mimed packing.
Nod.
“Why?”
He sighed. “I hoped you’d leave. Then maybe my friend Jake could come back.”
“Oh. You’re a good packer.”
“We move a lot.”
“I should call your parents.”
“Please don’t.”
“Okay.” I felt unsure what to do. “You want a snack?”
Hesitation.
Nod.
Thanks, Rochelle, for choosing one of my pictures as the prompt this week. This picture brings back a lot of exhausting memories of moving in the middle of January and spending endless hours cleaning and packing and moving, then endless more hours doing it all in reverse in the new house. But it was worth it, and luckily no one sneaked in at night to pack up everything again.
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
Unusual approach by the boy, but at least he has found a friend. Maybe this time he’ll help to unpack.
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As you know, anything about books gets my attention. Love your photo. It’s wonderful how Rochelle has such a good eye. You take great pictures always. Dale does too.
The Boxer Rebellion is a keeper. 🙂
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Thanks, my friend. 🙂
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Thank you, for posting it. Look forward to it, always 🙂
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This story has a hint of sadness to it, I wish Jake could come back and I like the kid’s simple logic. I hope he’s found a new friend, even if there’s a bit of an age gap
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Oh, poor boy. I know that’s how people sometimes acquire stray cats and dogs, but boys? It sounds like he needs somewhere to feel accepted, and stable, and I like how you’ve developed this idea.
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Awww. I love how this turned into something totally different. I like to think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
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i suppose the title says it all. well done. 🙂
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Lovely. Love to know more.
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Oh, the poor boy is missing his friend. Hope he can come to terms with his absence.
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Yeah, hopefully. Thanks for reading, Meha! I appreciate it.
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Dear David,
Hopefully these two boys will become good friends, too. Wondefully written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS thank you for your willingness to share your photos.
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Aww, what a sweet story and not at all where I thought it was going. You got me.
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Thanks! Yeah, I like to be a little unpredictable sometimes. Just where the writing leads you.
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Oh, I love this. We both wrote a story reflecting the unusual thinking of a child. The only certainty about life is that life changes. It’s good he has made a new friend that will help him cope with his loss of the other.
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Thank you, Brenda. Yes, change is hard in life. I’ll have to come read yours as well.
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Oh, man! It’s tough when friends move away. Maybe now he’ll make a new friend. Really nice, comfortable story, David.
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Thanks, Nancy. Hopefully he will get a new friend soon. That’s always hard.
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