Page 64 of Five Summers

“Feel the heartbeat in every strike,

In the thunderous roar, we find what we like.

Lightning flashes, an electric spear,

Can you feel the thunder, drawing near?

Cracks in the silence, the storm’s embrace,

In the echoes, our hearts find a place.

Guitars screaming, breaking through the night,

A symphony of emotions, taking flight.

Thunder rolling, breaking the chains,

A symphony of rebellion in our veins.

Feel the power, the energy, the fear,

Can you feel the thunder, drawing near?

Pounding hearts, echoes in the night,

A fierce storm, emotions taking flight.

The storm subsides, but the echoes persist,

In the aftermath, our bond exists.”

I stop playing and look at Poppy who still watches me. “That’s all I’ve got so far.”

“Wow, that is really good, Xander. How long have you been working on it?”

“The tune has been stuck in my head for a while, but I only started writing the lyrics yesterday.”

“It’s really good. I can’t wait to hear the rest of it when you finish it.”

Compliments have always been hard for me to believe, so I shift my attention to the vibrant colors splashed across the sky.

“So why are we meeting here tonight?” Poppy asks.

“Today’s my mom’s birthday,” I whisper, my throat tightening as the overwhelming sense of loss and longing for her resurfaces.

“Today! Your mom’s birthday is today.”

“Yep,” I reply, trying to keep my emotions in check.

She extends her hand towards me, and I feel solace in her touch as our fingers entwine. “How old would she have been today?”

“Thirty-nine.” I pause, briefly collecting my thoughts. “On her birthday, we would always sit side by side, strumming our guitars and singing.”

“Oh, I get now why you have your guitar.”

I nod.

“What’s your mom’s favorite song?”

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