september was gray. september was cold. the ground was frozen, like the lake at the very bounds of the forest. the air smelled calm. sweet, but it had this, sort of, edge to it. like, a spike of bitterness. but it didn’t feel cruel. it was a comforting embrace.
i was tired after the summer. so many people, so much to think about.
and i like september. no one ever really likes september, but that’s why we all love it, right?
it’s like dipping your toes in ocean water. it’s like standing at the beach in autumn, when the wind is already blowing and the sun hides behind clouds. it drowns your thoughts and empties your mind in the most freeing way possible.
september was just the way i liked it. i sat in the grass after midnight wrapped in a blanket, staring at the stars. i don’t really know much about them, contrary to what i want people to believe. i can’t name every constellation or nearby galaxy. hell, i can’t even remember the order of planets in our solar system. which is sad. i claim to love the sky but i know hardly any of its secrets.
september brought me to the window. it willed me to gaze out below the flocks of birds but above the tree tops, beyond the horizon and the planes scraping through the clouds.
september set me into a deep slumber. i never sleep well, unless it’s september. september caresses my cheeks and runs its fingers through my hair and sings to me until i close my eyes for good. until my breathing slows down and my heart doesn’t skip any beats.
september loves me unconditionally, the way i don’t deserve to be loved.
