Three Words: A series of short stories

Chair. Sunset. Firefly.

She sat on the patio in the uncomfortable outdoor chair enjoying the cool summer breeze. The drop in temperature was a welcome break from the intensity of the day. There was a calm that ran through her, one that came so naturally. One that she couldn't obtain from yoga or the bottom of a bottle. This is the type of calm that came from true contentment.

But why was she so content? Was it the full belly from the delicious dinner courtesy of a Yelp recommendation? Was it taking a moment to watch the sunset highlight the mountain range and sparkle across the water? Perhaps it was seeing her children play together, not only in coexistence, but sheer joy of being in one another's company. Could it be the tender way her husband kissed her cheek and allowed his lips to linger on her skin?

It was all these things.

As she contemplated on how right things were in the world, a firefly blinked off in the distance, grabbing her attention. A smile crossed her face. Fireflies weren't something she was accustomed to. She was from a climate much too warm to support them. That thought made her sad. A creature so beautiful, yet couldn't adapt—survive. It was so fragile and weak. Yes, it may shine here, but anywhere else? Not a chance.

Will I continue to shine? It came full circle. A thought that plagued her for the past week. While just a mention. A possibility. It still stirred up every insecurity. Could I start over? Can I still be the person I am now, in a new place, possibly starting my career over again? Will I be a firefly?

Ow! She yelped as a mosquito pierced her arm and drew blood. Much quicker than the she was, the creature fled, sated, taking a piece of her away with it.

It was then she had her eureka moment. Enduring, tenacious, adaptive. Mosquitoes have been long before man, and will be around long after. No amount of change in environment will make the mosquito waver from its mission—survive and evolve. From then on, swore to herself, I will not be a firefly, I will be a mosquito.