Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

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Together Forever (William)

“Boo!” Arthur yelled, which ended up scaring him more than it scared Aleya.

“Ooh,” Aleya said in a bored tone, rolling her eyes. “That was soooooo scary.”

Arthur frowned. “But you don’t look scared.”

“Idiot,” Aleya seethed. “Don’t you know what sarcasm is?”

“No?” Arthur said. “I’m six.”

“Still.”

“But I’m six.”

Arthur grabbed Aleya’s iPad and started scrolling through her text messages. He grinned and started typing something.

“Arthur!” Aleya screeched. She yanked the iPad out of his hands.

“What? I’m just looking,” he said, trying to get Aleya’s iPad back.

“I’m in middle school. Most of my text messages will have drama.”

“So?”

“So? SO?!? I’M STARTING TO THINK YOU EXIST PURELY TO ANNOY ME! I DON’T NEED YOU RUINING MY SOCIAL LIFE!”

Arthur’s lower lip trembled. He started to cry.

Aleya looked down guiltily and set her iPad down on her pillow. She knelt down next to Arthur. “I’m sorry.”

Arthur wiped away tears and threw his tiny arms around his big sister, squeezing the life out of her.

“Ow, I get it, I get it,” Aleya said, laughing. She hugged Arthur back.