Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

Benjamin, you seem to look at the world differently these days. I cannot tell whether you are still the same Benjamin of yesteryear. We often called you Benji but you never really liked that.

Back in the day, when we lived in a small town near the ocean, life was so much simpler. I remember the day when we all went fishing on the rocks. It was such a glorious day, and the fish were all so compliant. We caught so many that we had to throw some back. Our moms would never have cleaned that many fish.

Now, please don’t make me laugh today. I know you have changed quite a bit, but some things never change. You were quite the character back then. Even though I say, “Don’t make me laugh,” I know you will, as it is just who you are. We used to scream with laughter, as your antics were always hilarious.

“Benji, stop!” was all we could get out through all the laughter and fun you created. I can still feel my tummy hurt from all the laughter. It is perfectly fine, though, because today we have all those memories to share, and they are all good ones. You made sure of that.

I met your son the other day, and he is your spitting image in character as well as looks. I can only imagine what it must be like when the two of you get together. Perhaps your key phrase is, too, “Please, don’t make me laugh today.”

It is always great to meet with you, Benjamin, because it is so much more difficult to get together in a big city. It takes planning and time, but we must get together more often. We are not getting any younger, and as they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.”