"Mikey really looked up to you when you were yonger." Dr Johnson says smiling.
"He always has." I say.

*

I am 8 and you are 6. Today s your first day of kindergarden and you're nervous. I can feel your hand sweating in mine.
"It's okay Mikey." I say softly, as though trying not to startle you.
"I-I don't wanna go!" You wail.
"Why not?"
"What if they don't like me?"
"Why wouldn't they? You're awsome Mikes, theyve gotta love you!"
"But what if they dont? What if they hate me?"
"No one could hate you."
You look up at me with your big hazel eyes, much like my own. I want to tell you that it will be okay and that I will always be there with you, but I can't. I know that you can handle this without me.
"Will you come with me?" you ask.
"Mikey, I can't. I have to go to my own class."
"Just for a minute?"
"I can't. Come on Mikes. You'll be fine without me."
You take a deep breath and puff out your chest. I laugh. I gently give your hand a squeeze before letting go.
"I love you." you whisper as you give me a big hug before heading into the classroom.
I start to say that I love you too, but you're already too far gone.