Bruised Promises

Skylar

“Mommy, I wanted some cookies, but Charlie ate it all!”

“But you don’t even like cookies!”

“That doesn't mean you should finish it all! I still want them!”

I stood quietly, watching the two kids argue under the shade of a tall tree.

The two children stood with scrunched-up faces and pouting lips, their arms crossed as they argued. One was a girl with pigtails, the other a chubby-cheeked boy with cookie crumbs still stuck on his shirt.

Their mother, who was sitting beside them, was clearly used to their squabbles. She gave a tired smile and shook her head as she handed them a juice box each, trying to calm them down.

I watched them from a short distance, my arms wrapped around myself even though the breeze was warm.

Around me, the park was alive. Families everywhere. Kids running with kites. Parents calling their names. A dog barked somewhere near the swings. A group of friends played frisbee by the open field. Parents snapping photos. Everyone just looked… happy.

I turned my he