Reminiscing

The familiar scent of pine and freshly cut grass fills the air as I pass the playground I used to haunt as a kid. It’s still the same—the bright yellow slide cascading down from the wooden castle fort, the large metal monkey bars that felt like towering skyscrapers, and the old swing swaying lazily on rusted chains. I can almost hear the echoes of my childhood laughter, mixing with the breeze.

I stop at the swing, my feet sinking into the bark mulch beneath me. The seat is smaller than I remember, but it fits. Gripping the cold chains, I rock back and forth, my legs kicking out as my body lifts into the air. My hair catches the wind, and for a moment, it’s like I’m a child again, untouched by the weight of destiny and free of the burdens of the unknown.

I lose track of time. The sky deepens from golden hues to dusky blues, and one by one, the streetlights flicker on, casting a soft glow over the deserted park. It feels like the universe is gently urging me to go. I pump my legs one last time, higher and higher until I’m soaring.

With a deep breath, I release my grip, flying through the air—weightless, suspended in that magical second before the fall.

Then, gravity pulls me down.

“Ahhhh—ugh!”

I crash into the bark, a graceless heap. Definitely not as fun as it was when I was younger. Groaning, I roll over and pull myself up, brushing off bits of wood stuck to my clothes. A chuckle escapes my lips. Guess I’ve still got some learning to do with this whole flying thing.

The cool night air nips at my cheeks as I start walking again, the adrenaline wearing off, replaced by a strange, comforting calm. My heart quickens as my house appears in the distance. The lights are on.

Nana’s home.

I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face. My pace quickens, excitement bubbling up inside me. I burst through the front door—

CRACK.

The door is in my hand. Along with half of the doorframe. Nana’s standing there, eyes wide, mouth open as she stares at the bombshell of a granddaughter that just tore down her entryway.

“Oh… my bad…” I stammer, my cheeks burning. I carefully prop the door against what’s left of the frame, smoothing my hair like that would somehow fix everything.

Nana’s expression softens, and a laugh escapes her lips. “Well, it’s good to see you, Lenora. Even if you came in like a wrecking ball.”