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I have been writing some memories in short story form and decided to be brave and share one. Some days just stand out more than others.
I did use fictitious names however...
Warm summer days are magical it seems, especially if you are six years of age. To wake with the feeling that anything can happen, the day stretching out endlessly, full of adventure just waiting to be uncovered. Some mornings Ryan would simply lie in his bed listening to the morning sounds of his parents as his father prepared for another day at work. Being the summer vacation he had no reason to hurry out of bed, so he would let his mind wander trying to decide what to do that day. There was always the cars, trucks, and toy soldiers to play with (his only possessions at that time), but he was growing tired of that game.
On one particular morning, he suddenly sat up in bed, a look of excitement on his face. He had a wonderful idea! If his mother had time, she could take him to the park and they could feed the ducks at the pond. That was what he needed, a change of scenery. Now to figure out how to talk his mother into this. He never came right out and asked for anything, he usually would hint at things he needed or wanted but never asked outright. That way, when he was told no it didn't seem quite so bad somehow. The trick he found, was to try to put his requests into words that made it seem attractive to his mother or father.
His brow furrowed in deep thought as he tried to come up with an irresistible reason to go to the park. After a while, he decided to just get up and play it by ear. Surely something would come to him after he had breakfast. Food always helped with things like this. He got out of bed, dressed, and made sure his bed was neatly made. He couldn't make any mistakes if this was going to work. All chores must be done without hesitation or complaint! That should set the mood just right!
That being decided, he left his room and stood in the doorway to the kitchen. His father was seated at the table eating breakfast and drinking his morning coffee. His mother stood at the stove finishing up with the pancakes and eggs for their breakfast. Ryan stood quietly, watching and listening, trying to determine the moods of the morning. If you pay close attention you can actually feel someone's mood, as if tiny pieces of who they are float in the air waiting to be captured.
His father saw him first.
"Come on in, don't just stand there staring. Sit down and have something to eat." His father's voice was calm, a very good sign.
Ryan gave him a smile and hopped onto the chair next to his father. They all ate in silence while Ryan searched to find some way to ask about the park. His mother was quiet today but seemed in good spirits, another good sign. She noticed him staring at her and looked back at him, a puzzled expression on her face. He knew she was silently asking him what was going on in his mind right now. Suddenly, he beamed a huge smile.
"I think you need some fresh air today Mom!" He blurted out.
Perfect! Why hadn't he thought of that before? Whenever he had been in the house for too long his mother always told him to go out and get some fresh air. It just stood to reason the same would be true for her! He had her now! She would have to take him to the park.
She raised her eyebrows at him. "Why do you say that Ryan? Do I look ill?" She tried to hide the smile.
Ryan actually leaned forward a bit in his chair, looking at her intently.
"You do look like you need some fresh air today. Sometimes a walk in the park makes you feel better."
His father and mother stared silently at him. His mother knew exactly what he was up to of course, but remained silent to see what he would come up with next. When he remained silent, she turned to her husband.
"Is it ok if I take Ryan to the park today? Apparently I need fresh air, according to him."
Ryan looked expectantly at his father. He knew full well if he said no all hope was banished. He tried to send mental messages to his father pleading with him to say yes.
"As long as all chores are done you can take your mother to the park. It will be up to you to make sure she is safe, don't let her get too close to the water or she might fall in. Can you be that responsible?"
Ryan beamed! "I can do that! Nothing will happen as long as I'm with her, I promise!"
The walk to the park was wonderful. Hand-in-hand they talked together of anything that came to mind. The morning was still gentle but the promise of heat was in the air. Not even a breeze stirred the plants as they walked.
Ryan was happy, his heart light as they walked along. He was well aware of his promise to take care of his mother, and vowed to follow through. At corners, he looked both ways and made sure it was safe to cross. She played along, acting as if she never would have made the trip without him. He was a bit relieved when they reached the park. Being responsible was hard work! He looked longingly at the playground.
"Will you be ok if I swing for a minute?" He looked at her with genuine concern.
His mother barely maintained control of herself and had to cover her mouth to hide the smile.
"I'll tell you what, let's both swing. That way I will be close to you in case I need you"
They spent a delightful half hour swinging and singing childhood songs at the top of their lungs. Neither one cared in the least if anyone heard them. They were wrapped snugly in their happiness with each other.
Finally, Ryan stopped his swing and sat still hoping his mother would notice and stop too. He didn't want to spoil her fun, but he was bored of swinging and wanted to feed the ducks. He looked at the bag containing the lettuce and had an idea.
"I bet that lettuce is going to wilt in this heat and the ducks won't be able to eat it"
His mother took the hint and stopped swinging.
Water fascinated Ryan. The slow, lazy movement of the water can be very soothing to watch, and the quiet song it plays calms the heart. Somehow, looking into its depths, you can find a tranquility not experienced in any other place. The temptation to jump in and let himself sink to the bottom was always very strong when he looked into the water. How wonderful it would be to lie at the bottom on the soft sand and let the cool water shield him from the outter world. As he stared into the water, the world faded as he let its voice lure him to its magic. His body relaxed and the sounds of the world around him seemed far away and of very little importance. He sat silently this way, deep in his own thoughts as his mother fed the ducks and allowed him this time.
Finally, as if slowly awakening from a pleasant dream, he was aware of a gentle voice in his ear. It was his mother trying to bring him back to reality, talking softly so he wouldn't be startled. She understood what was happening to him as she had similar experiences, and knew to be patient as he found his way back.
"Time to go home Ryan." She smiled at her son and took his hand in hers.
Again, hand-in-hand they started the walk home, out of this dream and back to their real world.
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