Tren en el bosque
March 4, 2026
Josh is at a party where he runs into his crush Ana and is not sure what to do next.
The night is dark. The music is very loud. There are red and blue lights. To Josh, the party seems like a scary story.
He walks in and shakes a little. His hands are cold. His heart is pounding. Josh thinks, “Oh, this party is eating me alive.”
Josh sees the girl he likes. Her name is Ana. She laughs with her friends. Josh wants to say “hello,” but his legs won’t move.
His feet say “no,” his head says “run,” and his heart says “stay.” Josh feels like jelly. The party is scary. Everything seems big and dark.
Josh breathes. He inhales. He exhales. He counts: one, two, three. He takes a sip of water. He wipes his hands on his pants.
He smiles, but it’s a small smile. He thinks, “I’ll just take two steps. I’ll just say hello. That’s all.”
Josh walks slowly. One step. Another step. He is now in front of Ana.
Josh: Hi. My name is Josh.
Ana: Hi, Josh. I’m Ana. Are you okay?
Josh: Yes… a little nervous. I want to talk to you.
Ana: Thank you. I like talking too. Do you like music?
Josh: Yes, but I dance like a broken robot.
Ana laughs. Josh laughs too. The party isn’t so dark anymore. Now there’s light on Josh’s face.
Ana says, “You’re kind, Josh.” She opens her arms slightly. Josh understands. They share a short, sweet hug. It’s a simple, good hug. Josh’s heart is now beating calmly..
The party is no longer a scary story. It’s a normal, beautiful night. Josh can breathe easier. He thinks, “I can talk. I can smile.” Ana and Josh keep talking. The night is filled with light, music, and a hug that means so much.
