June First

by Jennifer Hartmann

Sound evaporates as I drift away, clinging to those giggles I hear echoing in the distance. Just beyond the beacon of light. I race toward them. Peace blankets me as I run, my bare feet tickled by grass blades while I chase a ladybug through the backyard. There’s a sword in my hand. A gallant sword, designed for battle. Created for saving worthy things. Those worthy things are sprinting beside me through the yard, young Brant on my right and a tiny June on my left. Her soft curls are glowing in the golden sunset, smelling of baby powder and lilacs. We collapse underneath our magical tree house with adventure in our eyes and innocence in the air. Brant moves in next to me, and we sit shoulder to shoulder with a little princess tucked safely between us. He looks over at me with a watery smile. “I’ll take care of her, Theo. I promise.” I smile back as the sun settles behind a fluffy cloud. We’re happy here. We’re untouchable. We’re forever young. “I know you will.”