Memories

It feels like a tease, but today my focus is on her.

Her rental skates are a size too big, but they’ll have to do. Their laces are frayed, torn apart by use. I tie them tight before lacing up my own.

On the ice, wobbly knees fight gravity, my balance not what it was in my youth. My confidence wavers, but her eyes shine as she looks at me.

“Momma, let’s go fast!”

I can’t help but admire her bravery, born of innocence and trust. Part of me hesitates, but there’s something about her request that convinces me to throw caution to the wind.

For her. To make her happy.

Edges slide over slick ice, knives through butter. Speed picks up, stirs the air and brushes it through our hair and against our skin. Memories spark warmth as love and longing compete for attention.

Her giggles fill my ears.

“Are you having fun?”

No words, just laughter and a smile, contagious and wild and free. Light blooms in my chest, her joy like drops of sunshine that blossom and spread into the darkest of shadows.

Laps fall behind us. When the session ends, my muscles protest and my limbs ache. Sparkling eyes find mine.

“Momma, when can we go again?” My lips curve upward.

“Soon.”