Little pinkies entwined,

a nod, a grin, front teeth missing,

"Promise?"

"Promise."

A prick to bleed palms,

a solemn nod, furrowed eyebrows, hands clasped,

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Handshake grip,

a mistake once already, a stare to make sure, nervous and queasy,

"Promise?"

"Promise."

A pat on the back,

empty old hands, full glasses, downing liquor,

"Promise?"

"Promise."

A retreat on betraying feet,

a heart pounding, breathing heavily, eyes full of shock,

"You promised."

A sound, a fall, blood splutters from a mouth,

tears turn soil to mud.

The last thought,

two little pinkies entwined,

promising eternal friendship.