Shuffling through the school doors between a mass of backpacks, elbows and fat winter coats, he heard his name, “Xander! You’d better hurry; Mary is crying.”
Skirting the crowd, Xander bypassed the sidewalk and sprinted to their meeting place of the three trees where Mary stood snowcovered, headband askew and tears streaming down her red face.
Xander wrapped her in a hug and asked, “What happened little girl?”
“I slipped on the ice,” she sobbed, “and a big boy– a second grader– made fun of me.”
Brushing the snow off her coat, he took her hand, “Don’t worry, we’ll be home soon.”
As they walked, he smoothed the hair from her eyes and asked, “So what did this boy look like? Maybe I’ll go beat him up.”
And he wouldn’t beat anyone up, but his offer made Mary laugh out loud.
Because sometimes, all a girl needs is the knowledge that someone will protect her.
Cath
I’m so glad you’re recording these tender exchanges. Your kids will love remembering. So precious.
ps – got the disc of photos to work! hurrah. user error. tell you more later. I hope you survived your weekend!
Rachelle
Oh gosh, I LOVE this.
Michelle
Wow Michelle! I love this post! I know it may not be the popular, “independent woman” thing to admit, but I don’t care. I’ve got about 30 years on sweet, little Mary and I still need to feel that way sometimes too!
Lisa
Such a sweet sibling moment, Mary sure is loved isn’t she? And let’s talk about those adorable boots and pea coat she is wearing…my kind of girl!
Tracy
Oh this post made me cry. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
xoxo,t
Annie
What a wonderful moment to capture, for both of them. xo