50 Word Non-Fiction: Friendship – Batch 5

Every week, we publish the latest 50 Word Non-Fiction stories of Friendship. Read this week's pieces below!

*

The Wisdom We Inherit

Rooted in eco-awareness, my childhood was shaped by parents who nurtured greenery amidst busy lives. As an adult, I witness environmental challenges. Loving Thanks, Dad (Sanjay Gulati) and Mom (Surekha Gulati), for sowing seeds of sustainability. Your legacy inspires me to make a greener difference. God bless you both! :)

Lit by a full moon one August I wandered anti-clockwise around the park. Lost in painful memory of days long gone. She came clockwise, gazing at the moon. We spoke at once. Older souls past hesitating. We walked on together, clockwise, we still do. Friendship found, living rewound.

My dear friend told me, 'You are a worrier, aren’t you?' Yes, I was a worrier, in the old days. But suddenly it struck me that she hasn’t noticed how I’ve changed; how loving and laughing

have nuzzled through the worrying. She missed the change, and I miss her noticing.

'Auch, ah guess it’s quite fine haeing someone tae like ye. A wee person tae hear ye haver, gi ye comfort. Ah dinnae like folk but jist ein or twa’s nae bad. Ah guess it gies ye a push, keeps ye sane. Aye it isnae all that bad, ma pal.'

After thirty years of friendship, we expected Prosecco on the patio. Instead, a shoulder-height pallet of lawn turf greeted us. Baking in the sun. Not good.

'I hope you don't mind,' she said, he won't help.'

Seven sweaty hours later, three bone-weary and contented gardeners popped a cork.

Incoming tide. Bright sunny day and drive to Ayrshire in refurbished five door hatch was pleasant. I parked on the sand. Everything was fine until I was awakened by people commenting on the tide lapping around the car. 'I'll get my tractor.' Friend for life.

Meeting through shared interests, he gave me advice and help for our joint projects. We drank coffee, chatted, laughed a lot, till some things, some people (including maybe me) upset him and he left town without a trace. How I missed him. I’m so glad that he’s come back!

She lies near my feet, tail flicking lazily, relaxed, but attentive for others who might not have my interests at heart.

What is she? Guard, companion, best friend? I don’t have enough experience of cats, or maybe friends to know.

For that short time all is right in the universe.

We met in primary one, mind. Your hair was tied with a proper ribbon and your knee high socks were navy when everyone else's were white or grey. Scowling, you reluctantly agreed to bequeath me a tiny daud of your brown-rainbowed plasticine. Deftly, I squished it under my guttie, grinning.

Studying for a degree in your 50s can be daunting, but shared learning builds small communities where friendships grow. From students in their teens starting their big journey to middle-aged career changers, the seeds of love sow. Sharing support to ensure we all pass. It's new friendships en masse.