In His Absence

"Look, it's that boy! My mom says I shouldn't play with him, so let's go somewhere else instead." A young boy, pointing at another young boy sitting on a tree log whispered to his friend in a volume loud enough for said boy they were talking about to hear.

"My dad said so too! Let's play by the river! Now is the perfect time for fishing!" another boy agreed as they both ran off whilst laughing in the opposite direction of the young boy they had been talking snide about.

"..." 

The young boy stared at his hands and tugged at the ends of his hair before frowning. He didn't understand why he was always avoided by the other children.

"I also wanted to join them and fish together...." the young boy mumbled to himself, holding back the tears that threatened to fall.

"Do you think you could spare some time for your mother, then? We can play together today!" a sprightly chirp surprised the boy as he jumped from his seat, tripping over the stump as he