I saw Neil and looked the other way. It would be awkward to say hi. Even though I know his last name. And I know he was born on Albert Einstein's death date. I know that he once invented a contraption to help his mom carry milk home from the store. I know that he has three younger brothers who look just like him, and a younger sister who looks different only because of longer hair. I know that he spent a year in Japan. I know that his dad teaches on campus. I know that his house is on the hill. And I know that he knows just as much about me. But it's been so long since we were in Mr. Grass's 5th grade class together, or Mr. Greenwood's American History, or even since we graduated high school.
I like to think that the people I know now are permanent. That we'll always be close and continue to share our lives. But maybe that's unrealistic. Maybe in 6 years you and I will be walking in opposite directions down the street and I'll look the other way cause it would be awkward to say hi. I really hope not.
i hope not either, meg. i'm glad i know you. and that we shared a summer together surviving in africa. and a presentation on "style" in creating writing class.
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ReplyDeletethis is easily my favorite post ever written. not written by you. favorite post in ALL OF TIME. amazing.
ReplyDeleteI hope you never feel uncomfortable saying hi to me if we ever run into one another at a future date (there are always good memories, even if they aren't too recent)... but I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteone day when i'm in utah again, i look forward to running into you. especially if we're both running. maybe we can be running buddies!
ReplyDeleteWow, I hope the father daughter relationship lasts past 6 years
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