Do you promise?

S: How beautiful is it to exchange promises, isn't it? Promises that are realistic and carefully thought about. Promises that create an unseen bond between two people. Promises that make you feel secure and give you hope. Would you believe me if I promised you something right now?

R: Umm, not really, Sarah; I barely know you.

S: But we met a week ago, Rhea?

R: Well, yes, but can time really be used as a measure to know someone enough to believe the promises they make?

S: I could ask you the same question, Rhea? Can it?

R: Now you are confusing me, Sarah; you can't trust anyone to believe a promise they made in a week. Anyway, we are too young to make promises.

S: But we are 16 years old, Rhea; we can make promises now. My mom told me I was old enough to make promises when I was 13.

R: No, Sarah, we cannot make promises now. Have you not seen older people cry after they make promises and one of them breaks them?

S: Rhea, older people are dumb; they are not wise like us.

R: I suppose you are right, Sarah, even I think that the older you get, the dumber you become. Remember how I told you my mom was crying in the kitchen the other day cause my dad said she had become fat? I don't think she is fat; do you think she is fat? I think she is the most beautiful mother in the world. I wish I could tell her that, though. I wish we didn't live in this house without being noticed. I wish mom and dad could know that though I might be dead, I can still see them and love them.

S: Why don't you go back to your house and meet your parents, Rhea?

R: Because I made a promise to them and didn't keep it, Sarah. They made me promise not to play with the fire, but I did, and then I had to leave the house when I died because I couldn't see them mourn. But I like it here, in your home. Can I stay here longer, Sarah?

S: Of course, you can, Rhea, stay here for as long as you want.

R: Are you sure Sarah? Do you promise?