We were at the bus stop when she pulled up in her tiny green Volvo—a car straight out of a Wes Anderson film.

Sometimes I feel I am between wanting to run back as fast and hard as I can, and other times, like right now, I'm running freely forward and I am so ready for all that is still to come.

Occasionally, they'll use phrases that aren't quite correct, but in those moments, their enthusiasm outweighs any corrections.

That evening I dreamt of free falling into a bed of velvet petals, and awoke feeling as though I’m late for something.

The park felt so much smaller than I remembered, which is funny because isn't it usually the opposite? Newness always feels vast and so big, and you're the one who feels small.

The temperature gradually cooling from warm to crisp provided a comforting reassurance that my adjustment would follow suit—effortless and steady.