Five years have passed since my mind could experience the beauty of staring up at the stars after midnight, my back flat against the driveway. Since the touch of a subtle breeze sent a chill down my spine. Since I laid eyes on a flower that was orange with a faded pink trim, surrounded by green grass that itched my skin when it brushed against my leg.

Over twenty years have passed since I took my first step. Since then, I’ve been taught to go… go… go… but what if I don’t want to go? What if I want to pause the crystal clock that clings to my wall? Breathe in the bouquet of coral carnations that rest in the center of my wooden table. Feel every passionate kiss that brushes against my soft, rosy lips.