XXXI | Hesitate

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The wind throws a tantrum.

The world is oblivious.

Orange rowan leaves
are buffeted like messy
swirling

falling

rain.

The sky darkens
—but that's probably because it's 7pm.

The clouds
are still in the sky,

ignorant of the wind.

Even the grass
is unaffected.

Only Rowan's pony
thrashing to and fro,

her skirt
protests against her hand.

I can hear it

raging all around me
like surround-sound

but I can't feel it.

The world is still.

Rowan leaves are pulled off the branches,

swirling around in an orange shower.

They seem to be spurred by the wind,
but they're flying in every direction.

I cover my ears,

trying to shut out
the phantom

blowing air into my ear.

'What's going on?'

Rowan steps closer
to the tree

and turns to look at me.

Strands of black hair
free themselves from her ponytail

and obscure her face.

She stares at me,
silent.

'Where are we going?
'Can't I go home first.

'I don't want to wear this stupid uniform.'

[Read the full story at novelconbini.com!]