Reeling in Reality

An empty bus stop stood beneath the cool shade of a large tree. Waiting for its daily visitors it watched a few cars pass by. After waiting for hours a large bus slowed to a stop. Opening its doors the bus unloaded a very small group of people. Going their separate ways they left a teenage girl all on her own. Dressed in a high-class school uniform she walked down the street. Carrying a leather school bag in one hand she typed on her cell phone with the other. Shoving it into her shirt pocket she raised her eyes to see the trees at the peak of their bloom.

“Katy!” A voice called out.

Katy looked behind her to see her friend. “Hey Suzan.” Still walking forward she knew Suzan could catch up.

“You can’t even wait for me? That’s harsh.” Suzan smiled when she reached her friend.

“Well you are the captain of our school’s track team and held that spot for the past two years. I hold high expectations for you.” Katy joked.

“Yeah-yeah, hey listen,” Suzan sped up. Turning around she walked backwards. “Did you ever think about what we talked about?”

“Not this again.” Katy had just forgotten about it.

“Aww, come on. It’s the greatest power in the world.” Suzan could not lose her smile when she thought about it.

“The power to create is pretty cool…but I’ll leave that job up to the Big Man upstairs.”

“Okay but what if you had it?”

“I wouldn’t use it. But the power to change,” Katy held up a finger. “Now that’s a power I could use.”

“What does that mean?” Suzan raised her brow.

“The power to change. To change things into another.”

“Oh! Like Alchemy?”

Katy tilted her head. “You know I hate drawing.”

Suzan laughed, “You’re right.”

“It’s kind of like Alchemy. Except you can change it in a blink of an eye.” Katy pretended her hand was a gun and aimed at a fence. “Pop. That fence is now bushes.”

“Hmm.” Suzan hummed. “I guess that’s almost as cool. Oh! Maybe you should change buildings into pieces of art.” Suzan’s smile returned bigger than before.

Katy thought about that idea. “Maybe.”

Suzan looked at the intersection. “This is the fastest way to my house. You coming?”

Katy shook her head. “I think I’m gonna relax today.”

“No worries.” Suzan saluted her friend. “Catch you later.” Running down the sidewalk she headed home.

No matter how many times she saw it, Katy was impressed by how fast Suzan could run. Crossing a few more intersections Katy came to a long strip of trees standing on both sides of the street. Their fresh green leaves shaded her from the sun’s heat. A soft breeze blew down the street causing the leaves to rustle. Nearing its center, Katy saw the one tree that dragged the rest of their beauty to the gutter. Its shriveled skeleton popped out from the green—immediately catching your eye. Katy did not like to admit it, but its sight was starting to become an eyesore. Katy actually hoped the people in charge would’ve cut it down by now. Remembering what she said earlier, Katy looked at her hand. Scanning the area Katy was positive no one was around. Holding her hand up she started to move it in a circle.

“Turn into a good tree.” Katy wobbled her voice like a magician ready to perform a trick. “A tree!” Katy smiled from her childish behavior. Becoming more animated Katy pretended her hand was a gun. “Pow.” She faked its imaginary recoil. “Zap.” She whipped her hand forward then quickly reeled it in. Trying different styles of attack she could not keep her smile hidden. It would be the end of her if anyone knew this was how she had fun. Thankfully she was all alone. Moving her hand into a snapping position she aimed at the tree. “Snap.” She snapped her fingers in sync with her words.