Work Text:
It was a warm August day, though the weatherman predicted thunderstorms later. For now, two young girls sat quietly across from each other, an antique coffee table between them.
One girl had rich, dark skin that caught the early morning light. Her soft, coily hair was pulled into two neat puffs, each tied with a vibrant yellow ribbon that matched her sunny yellow dress. The other girl’s glossy blond hair shone like gold, falling in soft waves over her vivid red shirt—just like the red pawns she picked for the game.
They shifted a little, getting comfortable on the plush mauve carpet as they set up their board game. Nearby, a small tray held two glasses of chocolate milk and a plate of Fig Newtons—their favorite snack to share while playing.
It might have seemed odd to anyone watching—playing an old board game when most kids their age were glued to video games.
But for the girl with dark skin, her medical bracelet was a clear reminder: “Epilepsy.” Flashing lights and fast action in video games could trigger a seizure. So for these two nine-year-olds who didn’t want to just sit around, a classic game like Sorry! was the perfect way to spend the morning before the afternoon storms.
They carefully selected their favorite colors: the blond girl chose red to match her shirt, and the other girl picked yellow to match her dress and ribbons. Their fingers hovered over the pawns, their eyes bright with excitement.
The blond girl—Anya, as her necklace spelled out—took a small sip of chocolate milk and grinned at her best friend.
“Okay, Beth. You get to go first this time since I went first last time. But don’t think I won’t win!” She giggled happily.
Beth’s dark eyes sparkled with a challenge. “We’ll see, Anya. You might be the one sorry today!” They both laughed.
Beth drew her first card and moved a yellow pawn out of the starting gate, three spaces forward. Anya had to wait two turns before she could move a red pawn onto the board.
Soft pop music played from a nearby speaker, filling the living room with a calm, happy feeling. Ginger, Beth's fluffy Pomeranian, lay curled up on a small rug, sleeping peacefully next to her two favorite girls.
As the game progressed, Anya and Bethney took turns drawing cards and moving pawns, bumping into each other and laughing every time.
“So, how do you feel about the new school year?” Anya asked, nervously playing with her hair.
Beth thought for a moment. “I’m a little nervous, like you are. I mean, we’ll both have to get used to a totally new school—full of new teachers, new classes, and for you, in a totally different country! For me? Aunt Kylie and Uncle Luke are so busy, I might have less free time.”
Anya nodded in relief. “Yeah, me too. Grandpa Jerry says this year could bring some surprises.”
Beth smiled softly. “I’m glad we have each other. It makes things less scary.”
Anya’s eyes lit up. “Definitely. And we’ve got Ginger here to keep us company.” She reached out to stroke the little dog’s soft fur.
Between turns, they nibbled on Fig Newtons and sipped chocolate milk. Anya wiped a crumb from her chin. “This is way better than staring at screens all day.”
Bethney nodded. “Yeah. And safer for me, too. My doctor says it’s best to avoid flashing lights.”
Anya grinned. “Plus, it’s fun to just hang out and laugh.”
Beth moved her yellow pawn seven spaces, splitting the move between two pieces. “Your turn!” she said, smiling.
The game got more intense. Anya bumped one of Beth’s pawns back, and Beth sent two of Anya’s pieces back to Start with a perfectly timed Sorry! card.
Finally, Bethney’s last yellow pawn reached Home. She threw her hands up and laughed. “Yes! I win!”
Anya groaned, smiling. “Okay, you’re the Sorry! champion today.”
Bethney smiled warmly. “Good game, Anya. Same time tomorrow?”
Anya nodded. “Definitely.”
Ginger gave a little yawn nearby as the girls packed up the game, their friendship feeling stronger than ever.