The meditation lesson is over. Helen asks me if I would walk her to Victoria station. When she smiles at me her face lights up the room. I say, "No problem". On the way there, she asks me if I’m unhappy. I say ‘no’ and it’s true. At this moment I’m feeling very happy.

So, I ask her: “ Are you unhappy?” 

Helen looks thoughtful and doesn’t answer right away. “Sometimes.”  “Me too. Sometimes.” 

A great feeling of love and compassion wells up in me. I want to kiss Helen on the lips, but restrain myself. She’s at least two years older than me. She probably has a boyfriend. And I don’t want her to push me off and spoil a perfect moment. So, we walk on in silence before we plunge into the crowd at Victoria station. She smiles at me again before running off to catch her train. I watch her red hair flying behind her as she disappears in the crowd. I feel a sharp pang in my chest. Is it regret or is it something more? How can a 15-year-old who hasn’t lived his life yet start to give up stuff that he’s never had? Too many questions are whirling around in my head. One thing the Buddha sure got right: the important bits are beyond words! 

SECOND COMMENT APPEARS ON DYLAN’S BLOG 

I’d call that ‘lust and longing’ mate, not compassion . But go for it. I think she likes you. And as for your important stuff being ‘beyond words’- give over!  More words have been written about that than anything else. That’s not what the Buddha’s talking about.

THIRD COMMENT APPEARS ON DYLAN’S BLOG 

Stop being so crude Jerry and show a little compassion yourself.