We’re standing on the corner waiting for the parade. Our green school cardigans are unbuttoned and we’ve both taken off our tights. It’s that warm. I want to tell Kathleen that Spring came early this year even if it’s still three days away. But I don’t. Kathleen’s in a mood. I can tell because her eyes flicker from blue to green. Father Flynn, our parish priest, is known for the same parlor trick. Which is weird and a bit creepy. Speak of the devil. Here’s Father Flynn, walking this way. Kathleen scowls. Don’t look so fierce, I add. You know he can get you into Georgetown. Kathleen looks at me, daring me to say more. I think about telling her. Saying those two words. I know. I don’t though. I may be her best friend. But I’m nobody’s fool.

shamrock day
a green balloon lifts
the sky

—Finalist in the KYSO Flash Triple-F Writing Challenge

Bio: Roberta Beary