From birth they were in each other's pockets, sharing toys, friends, and endless whispers in the backseat of the car. Then the dreaded adolescence befell them both, and suddenly the invisible wall that was erected between them seemed impenetrable. I didn't need to see his disgusted face, as he padded down the hall, and his footsteps instantly quickened past her door, as he tried to escape the pop music blaring from her room. In the same vein, I could also read her body language, as their conversations seemed to grow more forced, and monosyllabic.
Her departure to college seemed almost like a relief for him, as if the nest had become too crowded, and he needed the space.
Yet now since she has returned, back in her teenage room, and anxiously awaiting responses from internships the climate is oddly still, and cautious. Surprisingly, the fire and angst is gone between them. Instead, a new stage has emerged. It's almost as if some kind of silent, hidden agreement has been made between them to cease fire.
They are adults.
The next stage in life. Each stage is interesting and different and they make us what we are. Regards and wish you a happy new year.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting watching watching your children's relationship with each other shift over time. Mine are adults too and although they are not good friends at least they get along now. I love the detail of their teen years.
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