Just the Way You Are

by Beth Moran

If people repeat often enough that you’re useless, eventually you accept that there’s no point even trying.

‘I know you’re a book lover. As far as I’m concerned that makes you the best type of person,

It’s like now the worst thing has happened, she’s free from worrying about it any more.

‘Go on, ask me,’ I said, my stomach deliciously full. ‘It’s none of my business.’ ‘And? If we only ever asked questions that were our business it’d be a pretty rubbish conversation.’

I didn’t know it was possible to miss someone so much while still being so happy not to have to see or hear from them.

That’s how they treated me, so that’s what I became,’

It should be illegal to buy a dog without taking some sort of examination. You aren’t allowed a car without a licence. A car has no feelings, no brain! Yet anyone can take responsibility for another living creature.’

Maybe sometimes families are made, not born.

‘This world is crazy,’ she pronounced. ‘That’s why I prefer books, because they make more sense.’ I eyed her current read, about a gang of chameleon people who go back in time to save the dinosaurs, and was inclined to agree.

Children are naturally curious. It’s a crime how quickly adults can stamp that out of them.

I made a note to tread slowly and carefully with my neighbour. Like a hunter sneaking up on a deer, we’d have to get close to him before he realised what was happening. Then, BAM, we’d be friends.

forever. There’s nothing to gain in carrying on just because people who aren’t here any more might feel upset about it.’

‘Honestly, not many heroes wear capes or have huge muscles,’ I replied. ‘Most are ordinary people who simply have the courage to do the right thing when it needs to be done.’