Sparkle

October 2, 2024

The way the stars sparkled in the night sky, there was no question whether there was magic there that day. The air was filled with electricity and anticipation as Simone stood not the edge of the bridge, waiting for her cue. This had to be her shining moment. She had to prove to herself that she could do it. She could feel the magic in the air as it whipped around her, pulling hairs from her tight bun, and tickling her nose with them. This would be her first real jump, and she needed it to be perfect. She couldn’t risk distraction. Her breath was catching her in throat from the chill or the fear or the excitement, or all of it combined, she couldn't tell. This was her test, not only for herself, but also for everyone like her. She was going to make this jump for her family, for her friends, for anyone who had a dream. She had to have the guts to do this. The broom in her hand had been rubbed smooth from her worry, and now had a divot in the wood where her thumb rested. What once had given her splinters, was now perfectly smooth to the touch. She had been practicing for months, just so that this moment could be perfect. Her pulse thundered so loudly in her ears that she was afraid she was going to miss Sam telling her it was time to go, and he was right next to her. If all else failed, she had given him permission to push her off the edge. She knew that would wake her up.

“You can do this.” she felt Sam’s hand on her back and it broke her from her trance.

“Is it time?” she asked, eyes filled with fear. Sam nodded at her and took a step back, out of her way.

With a deep breath, Simone mounted her broom, kicked off the bridge and jumped, falling, until finally; she flew.