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David

Everyday someone feels as if they need to push my buttons, but never do I let the pushing evolve into shoving.

Why, because I value contentment. If I'm ever threatened to defend myself, whether fighting with words or fists, I casually slip off the territory or suggest a comforting alternative.

Before this "live a full, happy life without conflict," I didn't refrain from emotional outbursts. In 9th grade, an argument carried itself to the point where someone got hurt.

He was twice my size in height, weight, and strength, but degenerate in logic. He carried a forehead which resembled a sloping hill, one steep enough to present a horrible death; a bush of thorns lie at the bottom, as if waiting for restitution.

If the drop didn't kill then the brows would finish the deed. His eyes were darkened by the shadow of his fore countenance and pierced any soul that desired to look upon them. His eyes were hell, ruined by gloom and excessive stern.

Amusement lightened his despair for his nose smiled from red, petite glee-perky, hard, and small; a radish perhaps. If it were flicked, it would shout as loud as a church bell.

His lips captured the essence of an angel who had flown into the devil's hands; gradually breathing in dire smoke until its lungs grew black and weary.

His look, his face was all complimented by his appalling laugh; his laugh could disrupt a mountain's sleep from miles away, his laugh could make the ocean moan thunderous hurricanes, his laugh could cock a pistol, his laugh could make the sun cry, his laugh could boil the sweat of any athlete, his laugh...made me furious.

Content, I was not. I was tested that Friday afternoon behind the school, and I "passed." I hit him hard, and hard he fell; but I did too.

My values were broken and they remained for the better part of my 9th grade year. Toward the enrollment of my sophomore year, I encountered someone who I can call my best friend.

Never did I imagine that he would be the individual that kissed the anger of my hand. I benefitted from the recoil of valuing.

For I was rewarded a best friend, David, and the joy promised with having one: memorable moments of ab-crunching laughter, sweet rides of pointless destinations, and most of all, a value far greater than contentment, forgiveness.

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