Brothers

         The two brothers ran down the road hurling insults back and forth. By the time they reached the end of the sidewalk in front of their house both young boys were crying.

         “You take that back,” said Paul. He picked up a clump of dirt and threw it.

         “Will not!” shouted Mike as the dirt hit him in the chest. He gave his brother a hard shove and headed for the front door declaring, “I’m telling!”

         Paul caught up and passed him. At the door, the boy slapped each other’s hands away from the knob until Mike managed to open the door.

         Paul ducked under his arm and got in first. “Mommy!”

         Mike hit his little brother on the back and said, “You’re such a baby.”

         Paul turned. His hands were clenched. “Am not!”

         “Are too!”

         “Am not! You take it back!” With that he lunged at Mike and they fell and rolled around on the floor kicking and punching.

         Their mother came into the room and pulled them apart. “Paulie! Mikey! Stop this now!” As they stood in front of her, she asked, “Why can’t you two get along? Tell me now,” she said. “What started this? What are you fighting about?”

         “He started it. He —” Paul stopped and looked at his brother.

         “No, he started it,” Mike shouted and stamped his foot. “He —.

         The boys stood staring at each other. The anger on their faces melted away and was replaced by bewilderment.

         “Well, who started it?” their mother asked. “What did he do?”

         “Can’t remember,” Mike said. A smile spread on his face.

         “I can’t either,” Paul said. Both boys laughed.

         Their mother looked down at them and shook her head. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with the two of you. Go wash your hands; lunch is ready.”


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