Time Flies Faster than Fireflies

Anger.

Her fists were clenched tight with her nails digging into her skin. Clenched teeth and a stiff jaw were noticeable, so instead of attracting attention she tucked her chin deep into her chest. Her eyes fixated on the ground in front of her. Her heart began to beat faster. The sound was deafening. A small pebble stood in her path. Just another thing to help her anger flare. Misunderstood. She looked to the figure ahead of her. The scale of worth never seemed to tip in her favor.

Rather than walk together, she stubbornly stayed three steps behind. It was easier than pretending everything was alright. The time to don a fake smile had long passed. Eventually her sister stopped and stared up. The chin that was once hiding in her chest was raised to observe the same scene unfolding before her.

Alone.

Fireworks. The lights were bright despite the clouds that marred the clear sky. She was grateful. All the people around her were fixated on the fireworks exploding left and right. The sound drowned out the sound of her own heartbeat. Despite all the people surrounding her, she was able to enjoy the wonder alone. Alone. Her wish for the night was finally granted. Her anger seemed to fade as she let out a breath of relief.

Like Fireflies.

Her glasses kept sliding off the bridge of her nose, but she didn't bother to fix them. Her eyes kept readjusting to the patterns of light gracing the sky. Nostalgia suddenly hit her. She felt a certain longing--longing for times where time seemed infinite and free. Her eyes drifted downward. As she blinked one, twice, three times, she went to a different time. Rather than lights, she saw the fireflies she tried to chase night after night as a child. After a few short seconds of awe and peace, the fireflies were replaced by the quickly dying sparks of fireworks.

To a simpler time...

As more fireworks filled the air, the sound became even louder than before. She was brought back to the present. Without even realizing it, her fists unfolded and the tension in her face dissipated. And then, before her eyes the image of a shooting star flashed before her eyes. Before her mind could form words, her heart wished for a simpler time.