The old man sat comfortably in his favorite chair; a pool of dim light illuminated him from the standard lamp behind him. The rest of the room was in darkness and a gentle breeze caressed his weathered face from the open window.

As he sat, deep in thought, he noticed a presence enter the room, it was silent to the ear but he sensed there was someone there.

"Whose there" said the old man.

"It's just me" said a tiny voice.

"Well, come here into the light so I can see you" said the old man.

A tiny figure stepped lithely into the circle of light.

"Is this better" said the small boy.


"How are you tonight" said the old man.

"I'm ok" said the boy.., hesitantly.

The old man turned to look at the boy; it was obvious he was unhappy.

"Come on, hop up here and tell me what's on your mind"

The boy climbed into the safety of the old mans lap and put a slender arm around him.

"What is it, come on, out with it boy" said the old man in a firm but gentle voice.

"Will I be like you when I grow up? I'm afraid to grow up, I don't think I'm going to be happy as a grown up, it seems to be getting harder and more complicated every day" said the boy.

"Well, it does seem that way doesn't it, but you are still just a wee nipper, you will get control of your life and you will have such grand adventures once you do" said the old man.

"It is hard when you are small and everyone else seems to know what's best for you; you start to wonder if your life really belongs to you. I understand little one, you know I do and I promise you that your life is just beginning, you will discover such beauty in the world and within yourself that it will hold you in awe for all the days of your life"

The old man put his arms around the little boy as he faded into the night. The memory of youth so fresh in his mind, the little boy he was…

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