At the bus stop

[Enter Bus, brakes squeaking as yellow cheese wagon slowly grinds to a halt]

[Action files off bus, sweating and stinking and still engrossed in conversations being held over his shoulder]

[Action spots Skibbie. Runs toward her, speeding past parents, to embrace her in huge hug]

Action: "Sissy, I missed you today so much."

[Action continues to hold on tight, almost squeezing the breath out of her]

Skibbie: "I missed you too! How was school today?"

[Action and Skibbie turn toward home, walking and discussing the day's events]

[Mom looks on in amazement, disbelief, and gratitude, then follows behind in silence]

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This is the first year that Skibbie and Action haven't gone to the same school. This is proof that absence makes the heart grow fonder.