I was helping watch over a group of 12 girls, age 8 & 9 in a large outdoor space. I noticed 2 girls 'missing' and just barely noticed them sitting together very far away. I let them be until it was time to gather then called them back.

I couldn't resist, "what were you guys talking about?". To my astonishment they both looked at me with very sad expressions and said in unison, "life".

Not one to pry, I only replied that that was a heavy topic for little girls. They did not show any interest in discussing it further.

Oh how I wanted to know details and to somehow help them overcome the sadness of it all, perhaps with the one big compensating pleasure we are gifted in this shared adventure. Or at least be able to offer it up, in case they wanted.

*sigh*

Their faces were so beautiful in that sadness. It was a pedo pain I'm having trouble shaking off.