I'd like to share a memory of the way things were before this all started and everything went to shambles. A memory of what I once had, before I lost it... Before I recognized the value of what I had lost, even. Moreso than sharing it, I think I just want to remind myself so I don't forget. Looking back, it's funny how we thought our problems then were stressful... And I suppose they were, in their own way. But I digress; here is my memory:
It was a beautiful summer day. The weather was temperate and the sun was bright but not glaring. A slight breeze made the ends of Resa's hair dance as we walked through the park. We had been pretty playful the whole day, what with me rubbing her back and tickling her when she least expected, and I was sure we'd both noticed the change in our friendship over the last two or three weeks.
We came to a couple blocks that were entirely grass and trees, contained within the perimeter of sidewalk that hugged the edges of the asphalt. All of the children were playing several blocks over by the playground equipment, blocked from our view by houses. Few people would have been inside on a day like this, so we were completely alone, with relative privacy.
Resa and I shared a long, savory hug, where about halfway through I had the sinister idea of tickling her again. As I slid my hands down her sides, I suddenly gave her a jolt with the tips of my fingers.