And back again

Flash. Flash. Back. And again.

My mind reruns the tape in a slow motion as I start to feel the wet grass sucking through my clothes and the coolness of the stone behind me penetrating my skin.

Flash. Flash. And back.

Your eyes meet mine as you run past me, arms wide open… trying to feel the air and make it yours. The wind tousles your hair and makes you look even more beautiful than you are… that’s hard.

Flash.

You stop for a moment, focused on an object right in front of you.

“A butterfly,” you shout out as your eyes fill with joy. I can tell you’re happy. And so am I.

Flash.

My heart starts racing as I slowly get up and make a step towards you, not letting you out of my sight… not even for a moment. Blood fills my head as I see you look back at me. I blush. I try to hide it but I can’t.

Flash.

You are only feet away.

Flash.

You take my hand in yours and point to the horizon. The sunset is beautiful, I think, and I know you do too. The warmth of your fingers haunts my soul and I wish we could stay there forever. Together.

Another flash.

We are kids. Innocent and free.

And another.

Best friends.

Flash.

The wind whistles in my ear and makes me look around. Did you say something? No? I’m sorry, I thought… Never mind.

The grass is still wet and the stone – as cold as never before. I look down to my left and see you leaning on me, your head resting peacefully on my shoulder. The wind makes it hard for me to make out the sound of your breaths. A deeper one, however, makes me shiver inside.

It’s been years… Who would have thought we’d ever come this far?

You look at me and a smile lights up your face. I want to kiss you... your lips, your eyes. But I don’t. I let a moment pass. And then another one. Instead, I touch your palm with my fingertips… your hand closes up in a gentle grip with mine.

The warmth of your fingers haunts my soul and I wish we could stay here forever. Together.

Flash.

I’m a kid again. Innocent and free.

Flash.

With my best friend. In love.

The way it always was…

Flash.back.