Symphonic Waves (Ciudad de Escalante #6)

Phase 45

I thought I was in paradise on the very first day you taught me how to ride a bike. I never expected that I'd learn at this age, but you made it possible. It was always a fleeting dream, you know. A silly fantasy that always played out in the corners of my mind.

When I managed to balance those wheels, my world shifted, as if I'm detached from reality. But then came the stupid fall. I stumbled. I lost control. The sudden jolt of pain as my knee scraped against the pavement shattered the illusion of dreaming.

I chuckled at my foolishness, yet my heart is pounding as I realize everything is real. You are real. You are rushing to my side with concern engraved in your gorgeous face. As you lifted me up, cradling me inside your arms, I think what happened wasn't just about learning how to bike.

It was learning how to trust, to let someone in, and to feel something I had never dared to recognize before.

— Cerestine Verdejo, Excerpt from "Symphonic Waves"