Promise Kept.

...and as far as I can see, they cannot find me no explanation.



She plunked herself down on the ground with a thud and an oomph. As she looked down at her friend she said, "We have to talk."

A year had passed since they had seen each other. And as everyone knows, a lot can change in a year's time. "I never thought you'd be so hard to find in a crowd. You used to always stand out." She stared at the ground between her feet. "They're building an ant hill where your toy soldier was. Didn't you always hate ants? I know you hated chocolate, but I thought you hated ants, too." She had never had trouble finding him in years past. It was true that he always stood out amongst the others. She only knew that there was a willow tree nearby, and indeed, it was still there. "I would hate to be out here. I'd rather be closer to a tree. Or, at least, get some shade. It's nasty out here. It was about like this seven years ago, remember? I think it rained a lot then, too." Silence sat between them like old friends.

"Then again, I guess you'd like it here. Toughing it out in the heat. Are you wearing combat boots? I think that would be fitting. [You] Grew grass in your boots once. Technically you still are."

More conversation passed between them until she noticed the skies darkening with rain clouds. "Well," she said, brushing the grass off of her pants, "See you again next year? Same time, same place?"
She made her way back to her car.
"Oh, and don't worry. I always keep my appointments."