You're the best, James

William Høgh

It's all white.

I sat inside and looked out the window. The only colors that broke the white line were James and the other kids from school. They were up on the hill in front of the school and just 40 feet away. The hill was the highest in town. Every kid went there on winter days. That included James. James was my best friend. We both went to "St.Henry's middle school Liverpool" 4th grade. James was out there and waved at me. I just wanted to jump out the window and run up the hill. But I was grounded. I was not allowed to go outside my house. And the word "house" didn't mean a lot. I lived in a "house" or maybe an ant's house. It was very tiny. I did not even have my own room. I only had an old bed and a curtain was the only thing that could give me some privacy. So, I just sat and looked out the window.

The snow looked tempting.

And then I couldn't help it anymore. I took the chance and jumped out the window. And there I was, outside in my pajamas and too long socks, on the first winter's day of the whole year. I shivered. It was so cold. I just wanted to go inside, again. But my mother would be upset if she found out that I had been out. After all, it was me and James who broke the vase that got me grounded. I was going
to be so sick, but it was worth it. I had a great time with James. And when I came inside, Mum was
sitting in the chair and looked mad.

She asked me where I had been. I lied. I said I had been in my room the whole time. She asked how
that was possible because she just heard me coming through the door. And that I had not thought, through.

So I got grounded for another week with snow outside, just waiting for me.

But I didn't jump out the Window this time. And out of nowhere my mom yelled.

"Sebastian, James is here."

"Tell him I'm grounded," I yelled back.

"Well, he is coming up now."

James came in the door with a smile on his face.

"What are you doing here?" I asked with surprise.

"Well, I got you grounded in the first place," he answered, embarrassed. "So I'm sleeping here this week."

"You’re the best James," I said happily. "And so are you, Mum."