“Amma is going for a walk”, Anju screamed as she bent down to lace her shoes. She strained her ears to hear an acknowledgement that never came as she expertly twisted the ends of the lace and made the perfect bow. Years of tying shoes laces for her husband and kids did make her a pro.

Knocking the partially shut door of her son, she muttered “Am off. Dinner is all ready. I should be back by the time appa comes. I am taking one key with me”. She saw her teenage son nod his head – was it in acknowledgment or in rhythm to whatever music that was blasting in his ears she wondered as she stepped away. She walked into her daughter’s room. She was at her desk, drawing something with intense concentration and effort, grumbling under her breath. “All is well?” she asked turning on the desk lamp and dusting the eraser suds. “I am off for my evening walk. Do you want a snack before I go?” Her daughter said shook her head.

“Not a bad day” Anju thought as she walked out of the house adjusting her dupatta. The children had not yelled at her for disturbing them today. Yes it definitely was a good day she accepted as she increased her pace. She treasured her evening walk. The further she walked from home, the lighter she felt. It was her escape from motherhood, the kitchen, the assorted family who drifted in and out, the kitty party and at some level reality.

She walked also roads well lit and trod. Her head down and arms swinging. She avoided eyes, conversations, potholes and puddles. She said no to music players, smart phones and fitness trackers. It was her time. Her time to walk away. To seek solace from herself and her routines. She walked in the non-existent pedestrian walkways. Amongst the cars with lights brighter than the moon, motorbikes with horns that make her jump. She walked and she walked till she reached the playground. Her route varied slightly but inevitably ended at the playground. The playground where she used to take her kids a decade back. The playground that contributed to bandage sales and doctors income.

Today was no different. The playground lay deserted after an evening of heavy-duty play. The lights from the streetlights bathed the playground. “It looks untouched and pure at this time” she thought. “No creaks, no shrieks. No tears, no fears. Just silence” No kids fighting for their turn on the swings or cricket balls that fly out of no where. No whistles or giggles. The playground lay quiet and neglected – recuperating. She walked around. Her eyes taking in abandoned shoes, toys and water bottles. She wondered the stories they would tell.

She reached the swings, tucked in a corner under some trees. The lights threw eerie shadows on the swing set. She walked towards the red swing, her favorite. Slowly clinging to the metal chains, she lowered herself down. Testing the swing. Hoping it will not crash under her weight. She sat there, leaning against the cool metal chains. Her feet getting swaying. She sat there taking it all in.

A longing, deep and strong took root within her. She wanted to fly to the stars, to catch the moon. She wanted to swing higher and higher. She looked around the deserted playground. “Not a soul in sight” she muttered moving her feet, pushing herself on the red swing. Forward and backward she moved in rhythm, the metal chains of the swing clanging and creaking as she gained speed. She kept going, consciously first and soon it was natural. Normal. She went up and down, the butterflies in her tummy tickled her. She threw back her head and smiled. The smiles soon gave way to laughter. She laughed at herself and at the simple joy a swing could bring. She kept pushing herself. Faster and higher. Reaching the treetops, the stars and the moon. She swayed. She enjoyed.

This post is a part of the April A to Z challenge. 26 days, 26 letters and 26 short stories. Come back tomorrow for more.