Whack! The front door flies open as I dart through it, shimmy down the stars, and rapidly flail my arms and legs back and forth as I run across the street to the park. I stand tall and proudly on the soft green grass on top of the hill. I gaze around to survey the park activity.
A young mother is pushing her baby forward in a swing. She smiles as her baby has this dull expression on her face. Babies often look confused and like blobs to me. It's like people want babies to be happy as they are brought up into the strange world, but it's often hard to tell what on earth they are thinking.
The silver metal slide shines. It intimates me because of it's height, but I'm captivated by it. I throw my arms up in excitement and rush to the bottom of its stairs. As I climb, I intensely focus on my footing and grasp extra carefully the bars on each side. The sun caresses my face as I get higher. The beauty of its rays makes me smile. I firmly place my feet on the top of the slide. I've reached the top. It's time to venture down it. I hesitate. I look around and see if anyone is watching. Why am I suddenly scared? I've reached the top. I'm where I so much wanted to be! This is my chance! This is what I wanted to experience! Why am I shaking? Why can't I catch my breath?
The fear consumes me. I look down at my legs and realize my knees are shaking. I steady them and a shiver runs down my spine. Sweat trickles down my neck, and I can't think.
No one is at the park anymore. No cars are driving by. No one is outside their homes. Although the sun is shining, all I see is darkness. What do I do?
I feel my body grow unsteady again. I sway backwards but quickly grasp the bars and hold myself up.
My heart is pounding and I can't see clearly. Everything is spinning.
I hear someone. I hear someone saying something. It's not clear. I can't make out the words. Where is this voice coming from?
"Kelly!......Kel!.....KELLY!!!!" It's my mom. I recognize the voice. Where is she yelling from?
My eyes kick back into focus. I scan the park. Ah, there she is! She's in the front yard of the house! She's worried. She looks like she might cry. Her eyes are weary.
My throat is so dry. I mouth words, but nothing comes forth. I cough and gather the strength to yell back. I disguise my fear and confidently holler, "Hi, Mom!"
"Time for dinner!"
"I'll be right there!"
I gulp. That means I have to go down the slide. I look at my mom as she's staring at me. I feel pressure. I have to do this. I look down the slide then back at my mom. She has her hands on her hips. I don't want to scare her, nor do I want to disappoint her.
I close my eyes, take a deep breath in, and bend my knees. I sit on the cool metal. Here goes. I fling myself forward. The rush of the wind gives me goose bumps. My hair dances backwards and I'm speechless.
My feet hit the sand. With disbelief, I stand. I run home faster than I've ever run before.
I enter the front door and feel the warmth of the house. I so desperately need a hug, but am too ashamed to ask for one. I sit on a wooden chair at the kitchen table with a zombie-like expression. It's time to eat, but I have no appetite. I force myself to eat, but am numb.
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