Wide eyes, my heart beats like a drum as it consumes my chest, pulsating in and out. My palms are sweaty, my right foot tapping on the ground in a constant 1,2,1,2 motion that somewhat eases my nerves. But not really. I stand to the side of the wooden gate, in a line of people that extends to the walkway. I am by myself, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I remind myself, there's nothing wrong with that.
My time is coming. The last person in front of me makes their way through the metal gate without hesitation. I stop abruptly before I engage, allowing my eyes to take in my surroundings. People laugh. Kiss their loved ones. Put their personal items in their bags so the wind won’t take them away. I break the threshold, pursuing my seat in the very front, because that is the only one left. Of course, right in the front. Just my luck. The sun is just starting to make its descent down to the horizon, the wind wisping my blonde hair behind my ears and calming my hot skin. My skin is a flame, my nerves getting the best of me.
I climb in, making sure my belongings are tucked away in the helpful slot that they offer me. That was nice of them. I pull the bars over my head, click my seatbelt together in a quick motion that is overtly satisfying to hear. Click. Safety. A worker is making their way down the row to make sure everyone is fastened correctly, thank God. I’ve never done anything quite like this. He calms my nerves somewhat with a smile and a subtle thumbs up. Good to go.
I am moving now. Slowly at first. My hands grip the bars around my body. I closed my eyes suddenly, wishing I was back on that walkway. I was safe. I wasn’t in danger. No turning back now. I wisk in and out of turns of motion, sideways, going lord knows how fast. This isn’t too bad. It’s kind of therapeutic, the ways in which the sky meets the ground. I approach a steep incline, and my heart drops. I climb and climb to the very top, my hair flowing behind me, the cooled sun baking my face. The view is incredible. The sun, the clouds, the birds flying in and out of the treetops. Beauty.
I drop. Wind engulfs my ears, screaming emitting from the children behind me as excitement fills their small bodies. Full of wonder, full of youth.
As I come to a stop, I smile.