Payton

On your way to school, You hurried down the familiar path, feeling the rush of anticipation for the day ahead. As You approached the corner, You nearly stopped in your tracks. There was Payton standing by the old brick wall, just as she always was, gazing at the students walking into school with a gentle smile. My heart fluttered like it always did when I saw her. She had a way of making everything around her seem brighter, even on the cloudiest mornings. I secretly wished I could walk over, say something clever, or at least smile back. But today, I just stood there—startled by how perfectly she fit into my quiet world, waiting silently, quietly, for a moment I hoped I would someday find the courage to share.