Tangerine Dreams

One

I slowly opened my eyes to the morning light, peaking through the curtains. I always enjoyed mornings. I could wake up and look out the window for hours, but time wouldn't allow that. I recall being this way since I was a child. My mother would tell me stories of morning walks she would take through the woods. She always had her journal and would write about her dreams and passions before heading back home to get ready for the long day ahead. My mother was an amazing woman who believed her dreams sent her messages. I remember the gleam in her eyes when she would recall some of her previous dreams.

That led me to start writing about mine. I would probably never understand why my dreams were the way that they were, but the least I could do was try. Every morning I would walk to the park's fountain, and write in my journal. My mother had gifted it to me for my thirteenth birthday. She believed that was when dreams started sending you messages. Unfortunately, before I could learn about every possible symbol my mother knew about, she passed away. I was sent to live with my dad on the other side of town.

I didn't hate my dad, but we rarely got along. He was always questioning why I spent my mornings in the park writing. He thought it was a waste of time, but he knew nothing would stop me from going. I slowly lifted myself out of bed, making my way to the closet.

I threw on a hoodie and some leggings. Even in the winter time, I was up ready to head to the park. I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my backpack, checking to make sure my journal was safely inside. I walked over to the bathroom and quickly did my morning routine. Today was going to be a rough day. It marks four years since I last saw my mother. I remember the day vividly.....

flashback

"Good morning love." My mother smiled as I entered the room.

"Hi momma." I said.

"Where are you off to?" She asked already knowing my answer. I was headed to my usual place to write in my journal.

"I'm going to the park!" I said.

"Okay be careful, I have to head to work early this morning, but I'll be back just in time to celebrate your fourteenth birthday!" She exclaimed.

flashback over

It was my birthday, and I remember getting the call from my dad. He told me to stay where I was, that I needed to stay with him for a while, but I already knew a while would be a long time. I couldn't let myself cry in front of my dad. He loved her, but they divorced when I was around four. I didn't think it was appropriate at the time. I had to be strong, not for him, but for her. From that day on, I dedicated every morning to my journal. I never missed a day, even when I was sick.

I left a note on the counter in the kitchen before heading out of the door. I started my thirty minute walk. Along the way, I thought about how my mother would have taken hers. She always told me how taking in her surroundings was the most important. That way if she ever got lost, she would eventually find her way back through familiarity. I took that as my very first lesson from her. Everyday I counted new parked cars on the roads and took in every house. I took the same path to and from the park. It was my comfort zone, and I'd never stray from the path.

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Hi everyone! I am actually super excited to see where this story ends up! I chose to write this from all the different ways to interpret Tangerine Dreams. (basically the way you see a tangerine in your dream, gives you a sign of how a part of your future goes) I also was inspired by the song Tangerine Dreams by Danny Diamonds, so definitely listen to that at least once<3

as always,

love, Kenzie