Quick Write Realization

 

Quick Write Realization

September 8th, 2022

The other day I had a free write due over a memory that stuck with me. For some reason, the only thing I could think of was my trips to Colorado to see my grandparents. This is what I wrote:

The air felt sweet and strong, or maybe that was just the lingering doughnut breath from the mornings excursions. While cold, it wasn't the kinda cold that bothered you; it was the kinda cold that sat on top of your skin, melting fast into your warmth. My breath was cloudy like the blue sky above me. Olivia was next to me, her brown hair a mess of curls, falling to the bottom of her shoulder blades. Her smile was inviting, and although I had said no to Grandpa earlier, something was looming over me. Fear of missing out maybe? Either way, it won. As Olivia ran around, her blue Cinderella dress twirling in the wind, I had made my choice.

"Only to the mailbox Grandpa," I said as sternly as I could. I held onto him for dear life as the four wheeler roared to life. The wind nipped at my face which was already red and patchy from the cool Colorado air. As we climbed up the hills on the four wheeler, Pikes Peak grew bigger and bigger until we finally reached the top of the first big hill. Now it was all I could see. It was big and all my eyes allowed me to focus on. I wondered about the air and how much harder it must be to breath at the top. I saw the white patches that once lingered all over the mountain were now sparse. It reminded me of mom, how no matter how much makeup or clothes she wears, I recognize her all the same. 

Finally, we got to the large, collective mailboxes at the top of the final hill. Everything felt shiny and new, and I wondered why I was so scared to go in the first place. I always felt like a scaredy cat next to Olivia. I know I shouldn't've, but I wanted nothing more than to be Olivia. I always followed in her footsteps, hoping one day I would turn into her. If I tried hard enough, put on a brave face, maybe I could be less like me. Maybe one day, I'll be the first. I'll be the one to lead the pack. But for now I'll just follow along. For now I'll just observe and learn. For now I'll be the sidekick, and that's fine. 

-The end of my quick write.

I don't really know why this memory stuck with me, but I think sometimes how I've always been an observer. I've always been on the outside looking in, even when I was a kid.