A Kind Smile

Leo’s heart thumped like a drum against his ribs. The trees in the park seemed to stretch taller, their branches like long, grasping fingers reaching for the sky. Every rustle of leaves sounded like a whisper, every shadow seemed to hide something, and the familiar paths now looked like a confusing maze. He’d been chasing Buster, who had darted off after a particularly enticing squirrel, and in the excitement, Leo had lost sight of the path, and then of Buster, and then, it felt like, of everything familiar. A prickle of fear, cold and sharp, began to creep up his spine. He called out, his voice small and shaky, “Buster? Buster, where are you?”

He spun around, his eyes wide, scanning the sea of green. There were other people in the park, families picnicking, children laughing, but they all seemed so far away, so much a part of a world he couldn’t quite reach anymore. He hugged himself, wishing his dad was here. Dad always knew which way to go, even when Leo was sure they were lost. Dad’s strong hand would squeeze his shoulder, and he’d say, “Don’t worry, champ, Dad’s got this.” But Dad wasn't here. He was on his long business trip, and Leo missed him so much it sometimes felt like a hollow ache in his chest.

Tears pricked at the corners of Leo’s eyes, blurring the already confusing landscape. He sniffled, trying to be brave, but the feeling of being utterly alone was overwhelming. He took a few tentative steps, hoping to stumble upon a familiar landmark, a bench, a big oak tree he recognized. But each turn led to more trees, more paths that looked exactly the same. He sat down on a patch of soft grass, burying his face in his knees, a quiet sob escaping him.