The beating sun on my skin fades, as the cold mint ice cream hits me. The smell brings flashbacks. A warm summer's day. I zone out with my friends laughing in the back. Staring into the sunset on the beach. A warm summer's day. I watch as kids and their families pack up their picnics and start heading for the car as the sun falls. A fun and wild time to be a kid and be free. 

As we grow we look back on our childhood. I realize that I no longer bike around with my friends to the park or Sweet Dreams. We now have our license and can take ourselves anywhere we want without the thought of having sore legs. I no longer have to ask my parents to drive me and a friend to the mall or movies after saving up chore money. It’s now from a real job. Growing up is bittersweet. The freedom and fun that comes along, but also the difficulties. I no longer do things without a second thought. I often find myself second guessing because I’m nervous about what people will think. I used to spend my summer’s playing mermaids and making music videos with my neighbors. I still find myself singing every song at the top of my lungs like I always did. 

Summer was always my favorite of the seasons. The summer of 2022 was by far the best. Stunning sunsets, starry skies, beautiful breezes, and fantastic friends. I always picture my summers almost as a movie. Driving in Hayley’s jeep, doors off, music blasting, hair blowing freely in the air. A warm summer’s day. Lapham peak was a frequent visit. Perfect shades of pink, orange, and yellow. A warm summer’s day. Wakeboarding and paddle-boarding on a warm, breezy, afternoon. A warm summer’s day. Endless bonfires, s’mores, stories, and giggles on cold nights. Fireworks, lanterns, and songs on the weekend of July 4th. Stranger Things 4 watch party at Elsa’s, as the characters grow alongside us. A bittersweet realization. I look back on my memories from this summer and past ones. Not one bad thing crosses my mind. Because in the end, I will always have a warm summer’s day waiting for me.