Childhood dreams
Balanced precariously on the fallen log that spanned the narrow creek, my arms outstretch for balance. The murmur of water below and the rustle of the forest around us the only sounds, save for Hazel’s laughter. Standing on the bank, hands on their hips, their smile beaming as if they already knew how this would end. Forever and a day ago in another wooded environment, was our safe-haven. It was where adventure happened. We were sorcerers, brave warriors, explorers, and anything that our minds could imagine.
But most of all, we were friends.
.
.
.
“We’re never going to grow up, are we?” Hazel asked, their voice soft and wistful.
“Why would we want to?” I replied, closing my eyes to remain in this moment. Laying with them in companionable silence, the world around us remained peaceful. In that moment, nothing else mattered. It was just the two of us, dreams that were too big for our world, and the forest that let those dreams thrive.
But, all perfect things must come to an end.
“Ezra!”
I can still hear the booming echo of my father’s voice. The base carried shivers down my spine. The darkness seemed to close in as my name repeated, continuously, weaving a tapestry of fear that was suffocating. Echoes of my name lingered in the air, leaving me paralyzed and my blood running cold. Warmth encircled me, slowing the physical tremors I wasn’t aware of as a bushel of auburn curls tickled at my chin. I chased the comfort, wrapping my arms around Hazel’s figure until I was sure that my heart had stopped racing. The sound of my name drowned out in the wind, and I knew in my bones that I only had a few moments left.
“I am here. He can’t hurt you, Ezra… Ezra… Ezra…”
