Sea of Eyes

I took the steps outside. A swarm of familiar faces greeted me. Some were smiling, some looking at me with concern. Or was it pity? Names ran their course through my head as I began counting and identifying who was there and who was not. It was al too much. I wasn't ready. I turned around, ready to walk back in again and away, but the girl stood in my way, preventing me from getting past. I turned around again. Too many faces. Too many emotions. It was all an unsteady sea. I was thankful, yes, but I couldn't handle it. It was crazy how little it took to may you lose your mind. But my grandparents assured me I hadn't. They assured me my heart had always been in the right place. I felt her hand in mine, and I clasped it tightly for support. Someone yelled out encouragingly, and others followed their lead. I didn't know what I was supposed to say. Then Pa stood up for me, grinning like mad. There was a glitter in his eye, resurfaced after many months without it. I hope my face showed that I returned it.

[195 words]