Memories on the wind

Joining H. T. Darrow's July challenge - Day 2: scar

The fire crackles, warmth radiating into my outstretched hands as I listen to the laughter and conversations around me.

Wind ruffles leaves and flicks the flames, sending glowing embers and smoke my way. Turning my face to avoid inhaling too much, my chest tightens and my pulse races.

Even now, years later, a sudden uptake in wind coupled with the smell of smoke brings on a wave of fear and anxiety.

Even here, soaking in the comfort which comes from warmth, surrounded by loved ones, enjoying each others company— that feeling of safety can fly away with the red-hot embers in a flash.

Much like us, the land has mostly ‘recovered’. Greenery started to sprout much quicker than I ever imagined it would, covering the charred trunks with new growth. Which soon became established growth, and we all moved on.

Sometimes, though, you find yourself in a place where the fire burned too hot. Where there was little chance to regenerate. The ground littered with fallen trees, blackened stumps, leafless trunks. A jagged and jarring scar on the land that whispers it happened, don’t forget.

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Check out H. T. Darrow's challenge here.