she was tired and her legs felt like they were on fire, threatening to buckle out from under her and give way.
but she still had ways to go before she could even think of reaching her destination. where was she even headed to, anyway? her brows furrowed when she swayed on her feet, feeling lightheaded. maybe she needed to sit down and catch her breath. yeah, that’s right.
she did just that, plopping herself heavily on the grassy dirt ground and resting her arms on her knees.
her creaky old bicycle lay forlornly on the ground before her. its wheels were smeared and caked with mud. the sweat was beginning to pool around the dip in her collarbone, and her shirt stuck to her back uncomfortably.
all she wanted was to go home. her shoulders and back were aching in protest, after being hunched over her bike for far too long. even her hands were trembling imperceptibly now.
the forest was humming awake, springing to life around here. the nocturnal creatures that called it home were rising from their slumber, eager to start their day. the sun was slowly dipping in the horizon and stars twinkled into existence one by one in the skies.
funny how she had felt more alone in the daytime. right here, she was surrounded by life all around her. the moon was her friend and companion, and the nighttime, their warm blanket. she was eager to greet it.
but for now, dinner was waiting for her back home.
gingerly, she stood up again, dusting off the dirt from her knees.
time to go home.
likhang hiwaga 