PUDGY
You once were my soul confidante.
You listened patiently as I read to you my bedtime stories, the same story fourteen nights in a row.
You never criticized my two extra thumbs appearing when I practiced for piano recitals.
You protected me from under-the-bed monsters and comforted me horrific dreams.
You never told a soul the deepest secrets of bygone years or of dreams yet to unfold.
Even when you were moved from your treasured seat between my pillows to the sideboard nightstand, you took your demotion in stride.
You stiffened my spine when I didn’t make the junior high basketball cuts and during failed attempts at finding first love.
You never wavered.
Even now, you sit watch high atop my study shelves… Keeping my world from tilting askew.
And now, after this unexpected news, I might need you more than ever before.
My bold-hearted friend.
Written for Writer’s Digest Flash Fiction February Challenges: Challenge #14 Today’s prompt is to write about platonic love.
