Andy and Emily Klement Short Story
FIRST PRIZE
Mia’s Name Mollye Morgan Streets were silent in New York, and as unusual as that sounds, it was pleasant for everyone walking along the sidewalk on Saturday night. It was peaceful, which brought a warm feeling inside many stressed people. Kindness spread slowly throughout the streets, small comments that lift people up, despite their skin tone or religion. People were spiritually connected through their personal lives. This connection leads to understanding of the feelings of others, and finest of all, love. On this special Saturday night, two people walked hand in hand. They didn’t get nasty glares, nor receive unnecessarily mean comments. People smiled at them, almost to say they are proud of what has happened in the country. These special people are Leo and Mia. Both of these people have a fascination with waterways. The way they are constructed makes them look for minutes on end, even hours, without realizing how much time has passed. The flowing water calms their hearts and silences their thoughts. This led to their meeting at New York’s Central Park. On the bridge over the breathtaking river, they stood on opposite sides. Opposite skin color means the opposite side in many minds, and they didn’t want to hurt the beliefs of others. Sadly, they did not know that this dreadful belief was gone. Leo and Mia had been on Earth long enough to experience the harshness of people’s words and the beliefs that shouldn’t exist. Mia is, in fact, of color, and Leo is white. If they stood together, they would be seen differently. Mia would be told they should leave the white race alone and Leo would be told by their mother that they should never hang out with people that are simply darker than they are. Eventually the two of them reached the middle of the bridge, at the same pace, no longer with an invisible barrier. It was an extended moment before either of them spoke. “Would you like to be friends?” Leo quietly let out. Mia was very much shocked. They wore ripped jeans and tank tops, and never expected anyone to speak to them. It was a long moment before Mia responded. “Are you sure?” They finally let out. This sparked a laugh between Leo and Mia, and they ended up talking for hours, slowly leaving the bridge to a small bakery. The bakery sold large loafs to small muffins, and Leo got himself four of the mini muffins. Mia only got a large coffee and a compliment from the owner. Leo and Mia left the bakery with their goods, walking down the street, enjoying another’s company. They both got attached to each other’s speaking and sense of warmth quicker than either of them expected. These two, Mia and Leo, saw multiple people walk down the street, crying. They saw joy in some eyes, despair, and they also saw people that said without talking they want to be in someone’s arms. These sights lead to a talk about the economy and how it is run and how emotions are processed. Leo found out Mia is a democrat, and Mia found out Leo is a republican. They didn’t start pulling each other’s hair out, they just silently agreed that everyone has their own opinion. Mia and Leo talked about their views and differed on each other’s thoughts. They didn’t get mad, they just listened and understood. Eventually their interactions got deeper in meaning. They spoke lovingly and created inside jokes. The both of them laughed more than they have in the past year. This strong bond led to a hug. They hugged on the The April Perennial 21
