Valentines Day is all about emotion. The lovely and talented Susanna Leonard Hill challenged us to write a Valentines story appropriate for children with a maximum of 214 words in which someone feels brave! Details here.
Untangled Valentines
by Janie Reinart 179 words
This Valentine’s day is
tangled
like my hair…
like
my
thoughts.
One last time,
I brush
my bangs.
Put on
the gift
from my sister—
a new red
headband.
She’s been
in the hospital
a lot.
My sister
worries…
no one
will want
to be her
valentine.
My sister
worries…
no one
will think
she is
pretty
anymore.
Clumps
of her hair
fall out—
rest
on her pillow.
Today,
we leave for
another
appointment.
I promise her
—cross my heart—
I will hold
her hand
the whole time…
First,
they tie her hair
into ponytails.
Scissors
snip,
snip.
Then clippers
buzz,
buzz.
My heart beats
ba-boom,
ba-boom,
ba-boom.
What’s left
of her soft curls
fall
to
the
floor.
I clutch her hand.
In minutes
her little head is …
bald.
I blink fast.
Squeeze
my eyes
closed.
And swallow
hard.
Her small mouth
quivers
into a half smile.
“Want to rub my head for good luck?”
I exhale.
Slowly,
I take off
my new headband.
The words
untangle
on
my
tongue.
“Better than that,” I say softly.
“I’m next.”
This is beautiful Janie. There is so much of your heart in this lovely poem. Good luck to my amazing CP!
Thank you, Charlotte ❤️ Your story is unique and sweet!
Thank you Janie. Feeling the heart of Valentine’s Day <3
All the feels. . . .so lovely, Janie! Good luck!
What a wonderfully unique way of presenting bravery in a Valentine themed story. There is such active, visual engagement in your story, Janie. I just love it. Well done.
So lovely, Janie!
Just so amazing ❤️❤️