The King ☼

He was the king of the hill. With his chest puffed out and his fists on his hips he stood, feet spread apart and face looking down at everyone below. He didn't scowl at the pitiful beings below him, but rather laughed at them, letting some come close enough to touch him, but leaving most low enough to taste the dirt. With grit in their teeth they watche dthe sun shine behind him, jealous and wishing they could be more like him. Girls lusted after him, wishing for just a touch of him perfect lips on their muddy cheeks. Boys either glared at him, envying his position and planning how to take him down, or they tried to get his attention and maybe be pulled up beside him. There was only one person at his height, another boy. He also held himself up, but his laughter was mocking the others, laughing at their failures as they slid away.As they looked down on everyone, the 'king' noticed a few lose their grips and slip to the bottom. Some would come close enough to thoutch his feet then they would lose a foothold and slide away. He watched this happen several more times, a strange expression crossing his face. As someone slipped beisde him he reached down quickly and grabbed their wrist. He did not pull them up to his side, but he let them get a hold back where they were. Beside him, the other boy saw the 'king' doing this, and followed him example. Soon, people were no longer falling, and few had to climb, sitting comfortably where the 'king' had left them. A girl glanced around her, now the only one on the ground. Her hopeful glance upward was rewarded with a glance from him, and she decided not to give up just yet, but to try once more. Maybe he wouldn't watch her fall and laugh like he had done so many times before.

-(c)adrienneaalexander