Lost Boy

by Christina Henry

It was not natural for boys to stay boys forever. We were supposed to grow up, and have boys of our own, and teach them how to be men. I felt a sharp stabbing pain in my side, and then in my hands and legs and feet, and something scratchy and prickly at my chin. Charlie’s eyes widened. “Jamie, you’ve got a beard!”

“It’s not such a wonderful thing, to be young,” I said. “It’s heartless, and selfish.” “But, oh, so free,” Nod said sadly. “So free when you have no worries or cares.”