In Someone Else’s Pocket Prompt

The Old Times

As everyone is, we are all attached to our past, particularly memories of our primary school days. There is always a lot of nostalgia surrounding them and having left my primary school (which I had attended for 7 years) half-way through Year 6, meant I had many leaver’s gifts from my friends, which I will always deem special.

About 2 months ago, during lockdown, I decided to have a wardrobe clean out, to clear out any old clothes which didn’t fit me anymore. At the back of my wardrobe, I came across my primary school clothes, which I had kept to one side, as a memory. My navy school cardigan was on the top of the pile, and as I glanced at it, I noticed a slight protrusion in the pocket. I delved into it, slightly confused, as I did not recall leaving anything in there. As my hand met cold metal, I pulled it out, wondering in that split-second, what it could be. And all I could do, in the moment that followed, was smile. What was it, I hear you ask? A simple keyring. Its importance? It was given by a best friend, as a reminder, as a friendship token, something that is not meant to be forgotten. As I looked at the small keyring – a simple flower of which ‘Best Friend’ was written in the middle, surrounded by heart-shaped petals – it reminded me of something very important. Reflecting back on that day, I remember how rushed that day was and how quickly the school day ended; but mainly the overlooking of subtle things. Because some of those subtle things are actually the most important things. Like a simple keyring, or how that day, 3 of my best friends had gone on a small trip from school, but had asked the teacher to drive faster, so they could say goodbye before I left. The keyring had indeed taught me a life lesson.