Ephemeral Realizations

Roaring laughter, never-ceasing conversations, and unfeigned smiles surrounded the metal, circular patio tables far too many times that she lost count. Gentle breezes brushed past the loose curls that cascaded around her shoulders as she animatedly sat underneath the red umbrella. Forgetting her role in the small community, she reluctantly collected her belongings and attempted to evade the circular superstition in haste. Racing up the deceivingly, wide concrete steps, her exasperated expression met the friendly, familiar face which relinquished her of the weekly task. The one she never thought that she now wished for. Instead of returning to the crowded nucleus of the institution, her attention directed itself to the slightly swaying, dark leafed trees that shaded the quintessential college quad. Dispersed crimson Adirondack chairs invited her to repose beneath the cloudless sky and bathe in the constant beating sun. Trading the position of her phone for a book, her solitude was not interminable as she was joined once again by the spirited individuals who surrounded the patio table. Their hilarity is one she wishes she could enjoy repeatedly, as though a never-ending song.

Small jaunts across campus to see those who were once classmates, now halted, are replaced with unaccustomed half-hearted phone calls. In retrospection, the minuscule moments that did not warrant recognition at the time, have evolved into the foundation of the experience. Morning breakfasts complete with plain bagels, mint tea, and good-natured company. Midnight strolls down the dimly lit streets whilst wrapped in oversized sweatshirts. Tears shed across gray fleece blankets with reassuring tenderness after misfortune. The unequivocal excitement associated with Friday nights that produced forgotten memories, yet lasting sentiments. The fleeting experiences are transformed into distant memories. They are kept locked away like an addictive drug, only being administered periodically, for their high is dangerous and can develop an imbalance of serotonin. Moments of tension, fear, raw happiness, and love were enclosed within the limestone walls that were once frequented, and thoughts once consumed with animosity, now grateful for the years of unforgettable memories.