This thought has been weighing on me lately. I'm not especially sentimental; indeed, I may have a weird aversion to such emotions, but I've been thinking how these children were born and came home to this street, just months apart from each other.
He has been the perfect little neighbor and friend. When I pick him up from school, it seems everyone in the world has something to say to him. He talks sports to the grownups, high fives the older kids, has a nod or a what's up for everyone we pass.
And he's always had a special deference for Caroline.
When we arrive home, he gets out of the car and thanks me for the ride about a zillion times. Then he says, "See you tomorrow, Caroline." If she doesn't answer right away, he'll stand there and repeat it until she does.
I don't know why, but this always touches me.
Maybe because it is childhood, pure and sweet.
We are not saying goodbye to these friends. We will always be friends. But the thought of not living across the street from them anymore...that is tugging at my heart.