The Day I Touched the Sky

It was the summer I'd broken my ankle. While all my friends were on bike rides and adventures I was trapped on a chair. At first I started talking to the bird as a joke. But it wasn't long before I realized he was a good listener. I spent almost every day for two months with that bird. As summer ended my bluebird flew away. For the first time in my life I wanted to fly away too.

That day onward I was always looking to the sky. Sure I had tastes of it when I went on a rollercoaster or an airplane but it was never enough. When my mom used to say "That kid, always with her head in the clouds" she had no idea how true it was.

I was about ten years old when I first saw the sea. I had little interest in it and instead chose to spend most of my days on a little swingset by its shore. I still remember the night I snuck from that dusty cottage and took the fifteen minute walk to that creaky old swing. I don't know how but I knew today was the day I would touch the sky.

I pumped my legs.

higher and higher.

until.

I let go.

And just for a moment I was flying.

Until

I wasn't.

I was falling.

But it was while I falling something beautiful happened.

hurdling towards the sea

I saw the reflection of the sky.

Splash.