Down By the River

         Dull skies rose above, claiming as far as the eye could see, even further past that. Crows lept from branches, cawing in delight as they mocked those who couldn't claim air as their own kingdom. Water weeaved through pebbles, collecting dirt and bugs as it drowned its captors merciless. Life was moving too fast as the world rotated so slowly.
         Children ran by, a few pushing and shoving. Smiles consumed half their faces as they laughed wildly. In the distance a woman stood at the door, hands folded neatly in front of her as she smiled upon the laughter. Later, she would scold the bunch for the mud that reached up their young, scrawny legs. Even then she would be smiling as she listened to the kids apologize in a shameful agony.
         Half of the school yard had been trampled by feet of various sizes. Skid marks, as well as molds of behinds, embedded themselves into the mud that had been made the day before. The fence that rounded the entire area of the school property had been painted a cool white. Half which had been repainted, while the rest waited to be coated to match its neighboring companion.
         Slipping with ease through the fence was the body of a red demon. The tips of its ears and tail were painted a similar white to the fence. A single paw had been painted as well, only it seemed as though it had accidently steeped into a small tin of paint. Its head twisted back towards the fence, ears cropped up as its beady eyes scanned for reassurance. A trail of white brushed down the bridge of its nose. After a few seconds it returned back to its journy, carrying a single sheet of paper between the canine teeth.
         The teacher's body tensed as she saw the red demon. Although she didn't run, nor did she attempt to find something to defend herself, she stood her ground like the brave woman she was. Her smile faltered only for a second before it resumed to it's kind state. With grace, she knelt down, hitching her dress a bit to greet the red demon.
         Silent words spoke from her lips, none in which could be heard at a distance. The red demon merely let her pet its head before bumping the sheet of paper into her palm. Confusion broke out into her face before she accepted it, standing tall, towering the small demon.
         After unrolling the paper and reading its contents, tears began to fill the corner of her eyes. Soon after the build-up, they spilt over. She quickly stuffed the note into her dress pocket and disappeared inside. Only to reappear a few minutes later.
         Just as gracefully as she did before, she crouched down once more, holding out a folded sheet of paper. Offering in to the red demon, who gladly took it to replace the one it previously held.
         There was no hesitation as the red demon ran back towards the fence, never looking back as it gained speed. Once it passed the borders of the school yard, its fur turned to a fainted color.
         "Thanks Pip." I called as the fox trotted up to me.
         Patiently it sat on its hind legs. Beady eyes looking up, expectantly. With one swift motion, the fox was cradled within the nook of my arm. His muddy paws stood against my shirt, pressing a bit as he readjusted himself.
         Opening the paper, a smile cracked upon my face. Written in the familiar cursive writing was:
                             Along came Jo
                   and kissed her on the cheek.

         Hours later, after the children had been released to their parents or to wander home, the teacher strode past the fence. Her eyes seemed to search, finding nothing that she expected, she sat down on the hill.
         My own body followed hers, sitting behind her as I wrapped my arms around her thin body. Her head automatically rested against my flesh as a wind began to pick up. Causing both of our hair to flow on the gentle wind.
         "I miss you, Jo." She spoke in a hushed whisper.
         "I miss you too, Charlene." I answered.
         Besides us, Pip yawned, revealing his canines before snapping his jaws shut. His beady eyes became hidden behind heavy lids.
         "Down by the rivver where the green grass grows," Charlene's voice sang in a choked manner, tears sliding down her face, "there sat Charlene, sweet as a rose. She sang, she sang, she sang so sweet, when along came Jo..."
         "...and kissed her on the cheek."