by Leanniette

The sun played with the leaves of an oak tree above Monica's head. She squinted as a figure made its way toward her. She had forgotten to bring her sunglasses on this day and sitting beneath the shade of the tree was not enough. One of the children she was helping to look after squealed and ran past her. The figure stopped and handed her something.

"I heard it was your birthday today."

A cloud kindly covered the sun's advances and Monica was able to see that it was Astrid, one of the lead teachers at the daycare she worked at part-time.

"Thank you."

It was Monica's first birthday wish of the day. Soon the children would be taken inside to wash up and lie down for a nap.

Astrid knelt down next to her and gave her a gentle nudge with her elbow. "Well, go ahead, silly, open it."

Monica smiled and did as she was told. She could tell it was one of those cards that cost more than a few dollars. It had a watercolor design in different shades of purple. The cursive font was a deep blue and tiny jewels adorned the flowers on it and caught the sunlight.

Astrid wiped the sweat away from her forehead and pushed her sunglasses up to the crown of her head. She wrapped her thick, blonde curls up into a coil and twisted it on top of her head. She waited patiently as Monica read her note inside the card.

Dear Monica,

I know we don't know each other that well, but I figured today would be a good day to show you my appreciation for you. You treat every child, no matter how they treat you, with never-ending affection and kindness. Even the littlest things you do don't go unnoticed.

I honor your gentle heart and your keen, artistic eye. I wish you the very best on your birthday.

Sincerely,

Astrid

That was right. Monica did not know Astrid that well. Her first response to the letter was one she was not comfortable showing. She held back her tears and ran the pads of her fingers over the front of the card again. She could not look up at Astrid as she spoke.

"Thank you so much. I appreciate you, too."

Astrid smiled warmly and squeezed Monica's shoulder before getting back to the children. She spun around and looked at Monica, tilting her head to one side, a lazy sunflower looking for the sun.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?"

Monica placed the card back into its envelope. "Yes. I think I'm going out with my boyfriend. Dinner or something."

"I hope y'all have a great time."

Monica squinted and smiled before Astrid turned the other way. She walked to the picnic table on the other side of the yard and put her card into her tote bag. As she did so, her fingers felt her sunglasses. She put them on, took a seat and watched Astrid as she chased one of the little girls around the playground trying to cheer her up.

Today's prompt: Copper

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