MY WORLD - The missing teeth

Final part

Pink pulled up rainboots, one bruisy leg in each, and the kneecaps just showing beneath the summer dress, take a confident stance before him, blocking the sun from his squinting face. Petunia grins with her gap for front teeth, and Eden’s eyes shy away. Without saying a word, she squats down to his level and peeks curiously under the cap of his bucket hat, the boy only lowering it more.

“You never came.” She gapes, too loudly considering their distance. “Why?”

Eyes still covered by the screen of his hat, Eden’s pursed lips soften. The small girl stares patiently at him.

“...s... a trick.” He takes a breath, exaggeratedly pouching his cheeks, and tries again, “It’s all a trick.”

“A trick?” Petunia blinks with big, chestnut eyes. A darker pair slightly peeks out from under the bucket hat.

“A trick... so they can laugh at me.”