GOODNIGHT, SWEETNESS

Streaking across the lawn, feet soaked in the earth, I breathe in the cozy smell of home. Muggy summer air blows across my face, wispy blonde curls tickling my neck as they sway against my sunned cheeks. I reach the swing; then I am soaring through the air, my legs propelling me. My brother scrambles onto the swing next to me.

Daylight is fading, the yellowy sky sinking into a creamy dark orange. The dew sticks to my clothes as the moon approaches. The grass, dripping with sweet nectar from the air, feels soft on my skin as I glide out of the swing and plop onto my hands and knees. As before, Ty’s shadow is not far behind me.

“I know who I want to marry when I grow up!” Ty hollers.

“Who?” I reply.

“You. I wanna be best friends forever.” As the words fall from his mouth, my nose scrunches, and a giggle escapes me.

“That’s weird, Ty! You can’t marry your sister.”

“I don’t care. You’re my best friend.”

I answer him, “Well, when we grow up, you can come visit me at my house any time you want.” His untamed yellow curls wrap around his sticky brown eyes. A smile of delight coats his face.

I fall back on the grass, Ty nestled beside me. We grasp for the glowing flies humming through the milky black. I feel the grass and dirt sifting through the rocks and weeds until I find his grimy hand. His sweaty warm pulse climbs into my memory, snug.