story in a photo #1

“home sweet home”

three words on a faded doormat greet the young man. he couldn’t understand why the word home required repetition. the sign on the ground was a reminder of the building he was about to step into. a structure made of bricks, mortar, plywood and other construction materials; the only words he would use to describe it. (well, maybe not)

the house was situated in the middle of an open meadow and introduced by a thick gravel road. the wooden fence surrounding the property falling apart. the wildflowers host bees and other creatures in the warmer months. picturesque, some might say. from the outside, nothing but wide-open spaces. a sea of green under an equally expansive sea of blue. on the outside.

he couldn’t fathom the idea of him being here at this very moment. right here. well, his sister’s consistent threats and nagging played a role. (wholesome encouragements she would call it)

as he made his way up the creaking and most definitely rotten front steps, he glanced around for a moment and set his eyes on familiar sites.

off in one corner, a weathered grave marker for a pet, with the words: “rest in eternal piece Jackie.” an old shed with adolescent memories. and standing out from the rest of the property, a tall magnificent oak tree.

at that exact moment, as he laid his eyes upon the familiar tree branches, the sun shined- creating playful shadows, making the leaves sparkle with grace. he fought every urge to run towards it.

if it weren’t for the solemnity of the occasion and his one size too big black suit, he would have ran his hands over the trunk, climbed his way up, way up, until his lungs were filled with the brisk clean air above…

instead, he took a deep breath and continued walking up those front steps.

exhaled, and read those three words out loud light heartedly, assured and unsure at the same time-

with the tall oak tree behind him, he makes his way inside the house.