
Wake up, ceiling stare, hurriedly dress and walk with the wind to work. Hear something. Stop. Gate off to the right. Press your ear to the door. Echoes, bouncing sounds. Eyes to the hole. Kids running around, innocence abound. Flowers in full bloom. Weeping trees. Afraid someone will see you watching. Realize you're late to work. Stop, breathe, ready yourself for the day. Think about joining the crowd of kids and what could have been. Wait. Gate opens. Little redhead asks if you want to play their game. You're hesitant, say no thanks, I'm all grown up. She asks why. [...]