Growing Up

„England?“
„Yes?“
„Are you busy?“
I leaned into my armchair and regarded my colony thoughtfully.
„Not at the moment. Do you want something?“
„Yes…“ America shyly stepped into the room, then looked around frantically and ran to me.
„Would you please come and play with me?“
I was so surprised that I didn’t know what he was talking about for a moment.
„Pardon me?“
„Would you please play with me?“ America repeated with pleading eyes.
„Play?“ I finally got it. „What kind of play do you mean?“
I was hoping for a game of chess but America said exactly what I didn’t want him to.
„Children next door won’t play with me. They say…“
I truly, from the bottom of my soul wished he wouldn’t say it.
„…that I am a monster and they’re scared of me. So please…“
The little one’s eyes were full of confusion. He didn’t yet understand what he was lamenting about.
„Please would you come and play with me?“
I looked into these beautiful blue eyes and wanted to save America from this destiny. Alas, I couldn’t. None of us nations could avoid this.
„America…“ I coughed and looked at him, begging for understanding he couldn’t achieve. „You must understand, I am in no age to play with you. I have to behave as my status…“
I knew he wouldn’t understand. He was just too young for it.
„But… But who else can I play with?“
That was the question, my dear. I knew it very well from my days of youth, but back then I couldn’t rely on anybody. Only magical beings lived long enough to understand the pain of being alone in this world of human. But you don’t see them.
I didn’t answer.
America looked at me and then gave in. „Maybe… Maybe we can play something that you want. A game… of cricket, perhaps?“ he asked, desperately trying not to be rejected.
I considered my options.
„Yes…“ I said slowly then.
America’s face lit up and he smiled at the little bit of luck he was allowed to have.
„Alright!“
He ran to the door, then remembered himself, turned around and waited for me. It was painful to see how much he reflected my own behaviour…
My dear, little America… I’ll play with you. The people next door will see us and whisper to themself, there they are, they don’t age, their little boy hasn’t grown up a little bit since I gave birth to my son… And then, after the game I’ll let you sit on my lap, I’ll give you my best tea and tell you that it will always be like this, that people will be born, age and die, and you will see all of it. You won’t believe me and you will cry. I’ll hold you and let you drink the cold tea. I’ll tell you I will always be there for you.
I hope you will believe me.

Oh, psychology... Back to fanwork.