Buzzing Brain
Breathing in the fresh autumn air, her vision was filled with smudges of fiery colors. Leaves covered the path before her, leading the way through the forest. As she walked her pace fluctuated, stopping at times to look closer at nature’s beauty. A little chipmunk playing in fallen leaves, a patch of covers decorating the ground, a viola flower blooming for what could be the last time this season. In the sky the clouds moved slowly as if taking a stroll, admiring the earth. Birds singing, the sun’s warm hug on her face, it was a perfect day. Almost.
She still needed to write an essay, finish putting her vision board together, and most importantly, figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Having just started her senior year, it seemed like everyone else in Parker’s class already had their whole life planned out once they graduated in the spring. It’s not like she hated going to school, but this year seemed different. In past years she loved having something to do during the day. A set schedule, learning about the past, being able to express herself through writing, getting lost in a book, and sometimes even practicing order in math. Only sometimes though. Her classmates were nice enough to spend all day with, teachers were excited about what they taught, everything school should be. This year though, something felt different. Maybe it was the fact that her best friend graduated last year leaving her behind. Or it could be that she knew next year would be different and she wanted to observe everything, making sure not to miss anything about the high school experience. Whatever it was, she needed to figure it out soon, so her last year of school would be enjoyable.
That’s something Parker was especially talented in. Figuring everything out. Some people, (her mother), didn’t see that as a talent but more as a problem. She had told Parker that “not everything is your problem to fix, and some things won’t go the way you expect.” She knew her mom just wanted to help, but she didn’t understand the desire she felt to solve problems and figure out why they exist. After all, her favorite saying is, “everything is figureoutable.”
For years, She’s known she wanted to be a detective. Solving mysteries was her favorite hobby, and she puts so much effort into making sure she understands everything. Another thing her mother warned her about, not to put too much energy into “something that could negatively impact her.” Even though she loved working out the answer, sometimes she wished she could let things go and just have a clear head for once. She couldn’t remember the last time her head wasn’t buzzing with bits and pieces of anything and everything.
A leaf fell right in front of her face, drawing Parker away from her thoughts and back to real life. Looking around she realized her walk was almost done. Lost in her thoughts, she had already passed the twisted birch trees and old rock wall, which meant she was almost home. She had to go back inside and face her mom’s interrogation about if she’d finished her homework yet. Feeling her stomach tightening up, she took a deep breath and reminded herself that her walks are supposed to be stress free. She wouldn’t allow herself to think about anything stressful on her walk, her peace walk as she likes to call it. Pushing the thoughts away she enjoyed the last few steps until she reached her back yard.
Emerging from the woods, she could see Burt, her pet cat and literal best friend, soaking up the sun through the back window. She smiled, knowing at least someone was happy she had come back home. Breathing in one last peaceful breath, she reached up and touched the cold door handle. Not knowing what awaited her inside, she bravely swung open the door and stepped inside.
