FRIENDSHIP

You realize your kid is growing up when you see her and a friend of hers trying to become friends with a new girl who doesn't speak the same language. Today they walked together without speaking, fearing incomprehension, carefully watching each other, being a little embarrassed, like adults. There is less lightness in them nowadays, more self-consciousness, but still: their enthusiasm and their need to reach out is greater than anything else. This is beautiful and I wish it'd last forever.