We looked up

Dewy grass beneath us

Colors of peach, amber, and cream swirled above us

The spring breeze brushed across our lying bodies

We stayed here just long enough to cool off

My mom hopped up with a kind smile

“Gaja” she said as she helped me up

We both grabbed our bikes that were sunken into the lush grass

That summer’s mission was to take off the training wheels

My mom told me I was improving

We continued biking on the trail

This time back to the car

I didn’t want to go home

But my favorite part of the whole adventure was coming up

Honeysuckles

I loved the sugary sweet nectar that dripped from the flower’s trumpet

I loved the honey-colored velvety petals that were dusted with pollen

I loved the heady scent of jasmine and vanilla

But most of all I loved the way it reminded me of happy things

Bike rides, my mom, sunsets, and spring afternoons