He was on one side, I was on the other.

He was on the side by the monkeybars.
I was on the side by the swings.

We stared at each other, trying to burrow into each other minds merely with our eyes. To me, I imagined us in an old-time cowboy showdown, our fists our mightiest gun.

Neither of us flinched.
Only the wind was moving until other kids began to gather.
Whispers of, “Not again,” began in surround sound.

He was on one side, I was on the other.

He was on the side of the bullies.
I was on the side of the victims.