Demolition Before the Bloom

didn’t say a word.

He didn’t argue.

He just planted his feet on the grass.

He brought both of his large hands up.

And he shoved me.

It wasn’t a gentle push to move me out of the way.

It was a violent, full-body strike to my sternum.

All the air left my lungs in a sharp gasp.

My feet slipped backward on the damp, shaded grass beneath the tree.

I flew backward.continue reading …