Only a Child

     Good day! Today, I will be sharing a rather short work of fiction that I wrote last fall for a contest. As always, enjoy!

Only a Child

Some people see skyscrapers when they look at a field. Others a clock as doom drawing near. Some see windows, others see mirrors. But who sees the footprints of elves in the kitchen? Who sees the twinkle of gold in the night sky?

Only a child.

My hand was suspended above me within the stony grip of The Girl. They called her my sister, but I often doubted our relation. However, my feelings for my other companion were quite the opposite. Clutched tightly to my chest was my longtime playfellow, Bear. We had passed many years in the company of each other, but our friendship had never known change. 

Our path down the sidewalks drew near to its end as we approached Forest Edge Park. Just like every other weekday after school, we would spend the day there until dusk slinked up the horizon and stole the sky. 

“Go play with your friends.” The Girl released my clammy hand and gestured absently towards the empty playground. Since I claimed no friendship in that deserted sandy region, I interpreted her command as “Leave me alone.”

Beyond the rusted swings and puddled slides, I went, and to the skirts of the forest. I soon rested beneath the barren branches of a maple, glad of the chance to recover my breath (though I found it much colder than before). 

Littering the forest carpet were the many fruits of autumn: leaves of oak, maple, and ashwood. Like shreds of an ancient scroll that smoldered at the edges with secret fire. I plucked one of these golden tatters from the ground. If only it were a piece of parchment, what stories might it hold? What secrets? 

Who finds a story in an autumn leaf? Who sees the beauty in the simplest thing?

Only a child.

Have a great week! Adios!

~Madelyn