South

The southern part of the city has a chic family-oriented sort of charm to it. Here, small locally owned shops run rampant, neighbors often know each other by name, and the monthly socials are an event not to be missed. In the South, children can often be seen safely playing in the park or on sidewalks and in the weekends, families often take to the beach to enjoy the warm waters surrounding the city.

What You'll Find Here

Ascension Center of Equitation
Hyde Park
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
The Outskirts
The University of Sacrosanct

somebody take my hand and lead me


Posted on May 20, 2019 by ashton doss
South



When she complimented his smile, he could feel the heat rise in his cheeks. Perhaps it was because he had a genuine interest in Malia, or perhaps it was because he rarely got compliments of this time. Whatever the reason, he found that he quite liked when Malia complimented him. He tried to return the simple favor, to let her know that she too was smart, even if she didn't think so herself. She tried to brush it off, but he was serious. His genuine stare was proof enough of that. "I'm serious, Malia - you are quite smart." Sure, it may not be for the same reasons he was. She might not could read or do arithmetic, but she could hunt in ways he could only imagine. Their smarts were different, but they were equally as important. "Just being able to read doesn't make you smart. You can hunt far better than I ever could. You are always eager to learn and not at all fearful in new situations. I like that about you...it makes me want to be better." He was being genuine. There was something about her confidence that made him want to be a more confident person, to not care what anyone else thought of him. For most of his life he was teased and it kept him guarded. But Malia was so carefree and he loved it.

But this sweet moment, just he and Malia in the middle of the waves, was fleeting. Soon, she was back on her board and paddling away from him. He felt as though maybe he had said too much, scared her away too soon. Would he ever see Malia after today? He wasn't sure. He had already tried to compliment her too much and showered her a little too much of himself to make him comfortable.

But when she took off with the wave, he watched her, hoping that she might do a little better this time. He was confident that she could do it, that she could stand up on the board, even if she didn't believe that she could. When the wave began to lift her up, she quickly rose to her feet, standing up on the board. He smiled as he watched her turn to look at him. Then, he looked worried. She was going to fall if she lost her concentration.

And just as he suspected, she fell into the water. Just like before, he quickly moved towards her and reached out to pull her towards the surface and into his arms. But this time, knowing what her closeness was causing him, he stepped away from her just as she stood on her own two feet. "You did beautifully, Malia. Next time, try to balance and not lose focus." She would be surfing in no time. She was a natural.



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