#benji.!

👂

A sharp siren sounded in Yasmin’s eardrums, alerting her that she has reached her 3 mile mark. Despite slightly despising running, she was getting into a healthy rhythm, her pounding music entwining with her pounding heart. What really made the tedious exercise worthwhile was Volunteer Park. When she was little, Yasmin incessantly begged her parents to take her into the city after one visit to this park — now she can explore anytime time she pleases. Her young self was enamored by the expansive terrain and extensive playground, now she finds herself gushing over the flora and fauna. She missed the warm weather, she missed the soft grass that seeped between her toes, the rows of roses kissing her button nose. Winter has sucked the land dry and drained the sky of its vivid colors. Still, she visits as much as she possibly can. Yasmin deviated from the trail to chug some water, some escaping her lips to trickle down to her chin. She wiped it away, her breathing erratic. She continued to walk, attempting to keep her heart rate up while taking some respite. Glancing around the park, she admired the groups of people bundled up in their fur-lined coats, appreciating avid park goers like herself who’d willingly endure the bitter cold. Her gaze strayed to the playground she cherished as a child — it neared closer with every step. Forty-two feet away and something clicked. The world around her slowed into a faint haze. A tall, curly-headed figure, bent over to check the content of his stroller. She saw the side of his familiar face and she felt her heart lodge itself in her pipes. Panicked, Yasmin resulted to simply jogging past him, praying she remain inconspicuous.