“I’m never playing with you again!” I declared dramatically to Lily, crossed my arms, and pouted so seriously that if there were a pouting competition, I’d be an Olympic champion.
Exactly three and a half minutes before that moment, we were playing shop. I was the cashier, and Lily was the customer. Everything was going great until we argued about whether her imaginary money was enough for the imaginary candy. I said it wasn’t, she insisted it was — and there you go, drama of the year.
“Fine, whatever,” Lily said and turned her back.
Silence. A whole five minutes passed. Five minutes during which I could stay mad and be alone… or find a way to keep the game going. But why was I even that angry?
I snuck a glance at her. She was arranging leaves on the ground, pretending they were money.
“Maybe…” I began, without looking straight at her, “I could give you a discount.”
Lily looked up.
“How much?”
“At least 50%.”
“Okay. Can I get a free gift too?”
“That depends…”
“If you give me a gift, I’ll buy two more chocolates!”
“Hmm… deal!”
Two minutes later, we were best friends again, as if nothing had happened.
And then I started wondering. Adults fight and don’t speak for weeks. Kids fight and five minutes later they’re back to playing together. Maybe we’re better at forgiving? Or maybe we just know that if you stay mad too long, you miss all the fun?
For Real? We’ll see.