Space [Clarity Oneshot]

[Ailera]

C  larit y       L ize  t

    Things were never frustrating if I was running. If I could feel my feet hitting the ground, the same repetitive motion and the rocking of my arms, I was in a moment where everything in the world was bright. I didn't need to think about things, because the thoughts were just there. Breathing in and breathing out, and then occasionally something would bother me and I would need to sort things out. Running helped with that. Step outside, pull my hair up and start running. I didn't care who looked at me like I was crazy. If I ran I could sort everything out, and things would make sense. When my mom gave me a riddle, I ran. Dad was like me, he loved his feet more than the water.

    Right now I was standing outside my house, nearer to the road than the house. I had my hair up in a ponytail and my schedule was empty for the afternoon. No deliveries, no odd jobs, nothing. I was in the mood to run. Sure, I might always be, but consider one of the swimmers. They could love swimming, but weren't they better sometimes? Everyone had moments when they were just really into something. It was too bad I couldn't get into swimming, and be like everyone else in the District, but sometimes people are just different. My dad understands that, and perhaps I even get most of my ideas from him.

    That was one of the reasons he was okay taking off work from time to time to spend time with me. We had so much in common, he couldn't stand to let go of a good relationship with family. It was hard enough to come by, at least it seemed like it was that way sometimes. Either way, we were close. He loved running just as much as I did, maybe even more in some lights. At least once a week he would take off work so he could run with me, not to mention early morning when I was little that he couldn't really manage anymore. I was excited. Today was one of the evening he was coming with me. I smile when he opens the front door, and he walks over to me.

    "Are you ready?" he asks. I nod my head. "Speed or distance?" he asks, raising his eyebrows. He was letting me chose. Usually, we just ran, and I did whatever he did. I look upwards and think for a moment, wondering what I was in the mood for. Usually, I was in the mood for anything.

    "Race to the bakery? Winner gets a donut," I offer. He laughs, and I feel the familiar warmth spread through me when he thought I was funny. I loved his approval. He nods his head, and we stand on the road preparing to run as he counts down from three. We take off, startling a few children a few paces away, but I ignore them. My mind was focusing on him. I knew he wasn't running as fast as he could. He was trying to wear me out, but I could play his game. As soon as I slow down, he surprises me and lunges forward.

    "Cheater!" I shout, but I can't feel angry when I am laughing. I speed up gradually, getting closer to him, but every time I'm about to be next to him, he picks up his pace. To us, we were just getting started. To those around us, we were speeding by. When we turn the last sharp corner, I pup my legs as hard as I can. The Bakery would be only a quarter mile away. We'd be there in a minute. In no time at all, I see the bakery. My dad is only a few paces ahead of me, so I speed up enough to get ahead of him for a moment. "The post!" I pant, referring to a grey pole just outside the bakery. Finish line. Target acquired. Full speed ahead.

    I don't win the race. A few seconds before I reach the pole, he is in front of me. Just like him to not let me win if he could help it. He pats my back when I stop, and I push his hand away. "You cheated," I say, and he says he didn't. Of course he hadn't, I was just being silly. We go inside the bakery and he buys two donuts, one for me and one for him. I don't refuse it. We finish the donuts and walk home. A perfect time with my dad, something to look forward to next time. Next time I would beat him.

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