adventure

The hot, dry breeze rippled the tips of the yellow green grass, and when it reached the edge of the grass, it caught up the dusty spaces, making dust devils before finishing off against the leafy trees. He stood, at the edge of the grass, observing the breeze’s progress, blue eyes squinted against the bright sunlight, hands on his hips. He was deciding. On the one hand, his life was one safe decision after another, a lifetime spent on grassy lawns in air conditioned rooms. On the other hand, adventure. Risk. What lay beyond the boundaries imposed on him by others, by himself. He’d been held back by his fears and inhibitions. The breeze doubled back, catching his hair and lifting it. It played there for a moment, running it’s warm fingers through his sweaty, blonde curls. He frowned.This was it. He was going to finally take the chance he’d always dreamed of. Shoulders squared, he focused on the distance. Mentally preparing himself for the first big step. The step that would lead to freedom. He took a deep breath and risked a look back. Back where he had come from. Back to safety and security. No. There was no looking back. The past held nothing for him any longer. He lifted his foot and readied himself for the journey of a lifetime. Suddenly, he was stopped. It was her. She stared into his eyes. He put his foot down. She spoke. “Don’t you dare take one more step mister, or you will spend all afternoon in your room. How many times have I told you, do not leave the yard? Now you march yourself right back over there and play with your brother.” She left him. After those scathing words, she just walked away. He watched her, watched her casual departure, and with her, all his dreams and hopes evaporated. There was no freedom for him. No adventure. No horizons. Only the dull monotony of his life, beating down on him. He wheeled around on one heel to face his reality. His brother was eating a popsicle. What? There were popsicles? He laughed gleefully and sprinted up to the house to get one.