Dust and a loud engine fill my senses
I am left with only touch
I pull myself aboard the bright bus
Little legs barely clearing each step

Look for my usual spot in the front
Two strange giants are seated there
I look back farther,
No sign of him

Guess I’ll have to sit by myself
No empty seats
Oh no
One next to the strange boy who always wore

Black clothes, with the yellow batman symbol
Emblazoned on the front,
And the batman backpack,
Complete with the matching umbrella.

Sit down.
Try to stare in the opposite direction
Pull out my hockey cards
Hear a rustle to my left

See another deck of hockey players
All staring up at me
Look up
See that the boy has a different expression

Different
Talking is easy
Joking is easier
Competing easiest

Not a strange boy
Friend.