Life in the City

Chapter 21: Summer Heat, Small Pain (Deeper)

It is summer.
The sun is hot and strong.
We play basketball after school.
I run.
I jump.
Then, I fall.
My knee hurts.
I think, It is small. I can keep going.

But at night, my body feels heavy.
My head is hot.
I cannot sleep well.
I think, Why did I push myself so much?
I feel weak.
The world feels big,
and I feel small in bed.

Then, she comes.
She carries fruit and medicine.
Her face shows care.
“Are you okay?” she asks.

She puts a cool towel on my head.
The towel feels soft.
Her hand is gentle.
I close my eyes.
I think, This care is more than medicine.

The fan turns.
The summer air is hot.
But inside, I feel calm.
I think about the game.
I think about my mistake.
I wanted to look strong. But now I learn:
strength is not only in the body.
It is also in the heart,
in the care we give,
and in the care we receive.

I open my eyes.
She is still there.
She smiles softly.
I whisper, “Thank you.”
She says, “Don’t play too hard. Take care of yourself.”

Her words stay in me.
Her care teaches me.
I see that love is not only big words.
Love is a towel on the head.
Love is a glass of water.
Love is someone who stays
when the world feels heavy.

That night,
I sleep better.
The pain is less,
but my heart is full.


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