Addy sat on the bench sipping hot cocoa and people-watching. Today the sun was bright and the air was still and crisp. It was one of the nicest days of autumn and Addy thought she might as well enjoy it. She watched as a group of little girls ran around the playground laughing their heads off and she couldn’t help but smile. This was something she had always taken for granted. The easy laughter that came with being among friends. 

Then Addy glanced over at her little sister, Lizzy, who was sitting on the swing set, alone. The move had been tough, but it had been the worst for her shy little Lizzy. Addy threw away the paper cup and strode over to her sister. “So, why didn’t you ask those girls if you could play with them?” she questioned her gently. Lizzy looked at her and started fumbling over her explanation. “I-i tried to a-ask but t-they did-n’t notice m-me so I chickened o-out.” Then she started crying.

Addy knelt down and hugged the sobbing girl to her chest. For a while Addy just sat there holding her, stroking her back and letting her cry. Lizzy had a heart of glass; it was beautiful and precious, but fragile and easy to crack. After a while her cries dissolved into soft hiccups, and Addy pulled her into one last hug before releasing her. Upon close inspection Lizzy’s eyes were a little puffy, but she seemed fine for now. Then Addy checked the time and, realizing it was almost sunset, took her by the hand and together they walked back home. 

Addy used her key to get into the house and flopped onto the couch, mentally exhausted from the day. Together the girls waited until their parents got home. The girls’ mom started making dinner and the sad atmosphere began to ebb away. Later, they turned on a movie and crammed onto the sofa to watch the movie. Here she was happy. Surrounded by her family knowing that no matter what, here she would always belong.

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Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

I love the sentence ‘Lizzy had a heart of glass; it was beautiful and precious, but fragile and easy to crack. It tells us all we need to know about Lizzy and Addy’s love for her. I really enjoyed your story Bella, and the importance of family.

Emily O'Leary
Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
Reply to  Linda Rock
1 year ago

This was the line that caught my attention, too, Linda! A very loving, thoughtful piece Bella! Welcome to Voice!

Margarida Brei
Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
1 year ago

Bella, I am glad that your story ended on the sweet note of Addy’s sense of belonging to her family.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

Hi Bella and welcome to Voice.club. I was surprised after reading your story to learn that you are still in middle school. You write with incredible empathy and sensitivity. Your protagonist is lucky to have a loving family around her. I love that Addy is so supportive of her little sister. I’m sure she’ll help her to fit in too 🙂

Marianna Pieterse
Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
1 year ago

Bella, this is a beautiful story. I think there are many children, just like Lizzy, who are very shy and too scared to ask someone if they could play too. I think your story would maybe help others to remember to look out for those kids who might feel left out and to invite them in. I’m happy that Lizzy felt safe and happy when she was at home with her family.… Read more »

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Hello, Bella. Welcome to voice club. I want to express my admiration for your writing skills even though you are still in middle school, but you manage to write it well. Your story is great, and many young people like Lizzy can relate. What a nice and sweet end to the importance of the family. I love it.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Bella The Writer
1 year ago

You’re most welcome, Bella.

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