𝙼𝙰𝚂𝙺𝙴𝙳 𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝚃𝚈.

under no circumstances are you allowed to take anything from this book. that includes things like my layout, banners, and specific events.

now... let’s move on.

7 year old Jodeci ran around the park as 9 year old Kameron followed behind her, fixing his mask around his face. "Come play with me! I'm bored!" She ran back towards him, grabbing onto his arm. "I'm tired.."

He sat down on a bench, making Jodeci sit next to him. "When are you going home?" She asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

"When the street lights come on. Why?" He replied, looking at her. "You barely play with me. Did I do something wrong?" She gripped onto his arm, looking down.

"You didn't do anything. It's nothing." He told her. "Yes it is! You always play with me, but now you don't. Are you tired of me?" Jodeci looked up at him, only seeing his eyes.

"I'm not tired of you. It's something else." "Are you leaving me?"

He slowly nodded his head. "Yeah..."

"What does that mean?" "My mom said we're moving soon." Kameron explained to her, messing with his fingers.

"Oh... for how long?" Jodeci asked, "I don't know yet. I don't want to leave though." He said, lightly holding onto Jodeci's hand.

"Do you want to go on a walk with me again?" Jodeci stood up, grabbing onto his hand and pulling him up. He nodded, walking behind her. "Where are we going?"

"Um...home. It's going to take us a while. So let's go now!" She skipped along the sidewalk holding Kameron's hand. "Slow down." He argued, dragging her back towards him so they could walk together.

"Hmph!" She crossed her arms, frowning at him. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Hm?" "Why do you wear a mask over your face all the time? I've never seen you without it." Jodeci stopped walking, and looked at him directly.

"Uh... because I don't want to show my face." He replied, pulling the mask back over the top of his face. "But we've been friends for months now, why can't I see?" She asked, touching it.

Kameron grabbed onto her arm and moved it away quickly, shaking his head no. "Don't touch it." He said, letting go of Jodeci's hand.

"Will I be able to see you without it one day?" She asked excitedly. He nodded, continuing to walk along the sidewalk.

It stayed quiet as the two of them made their journey back to the neighborhood.

"Can you promise me something?" Kameron asked, breaking the silence between them. "Yes?"

"If I move far away, don't forget about me. Please?" He pleaded as he stopped walking. "What does that mean?" Jodeci was confused, looking at him sideways.

"Like if we don't talk for a long time, don't forget about me!" He explained. "Oh...I won't forget about you! You're my best friend!" She smiled, hugging him.

Kameron hesitated but hugged her back, smiling also. "I have to go now, bye Kam!" Jodeci let go, walking to the front door steps of her house.

"Bye Jodeci!" He waved at her, waiting for her to get inside safely before making his own way back home.

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