By: Samantha Swayze
The wind slams the shutters against the house, bringing the whistling through the open window as I try to sleep. I sigh as I throw my warm blanket off of me, standing to close the window before I am met with a cold breeze from the winter air. I pause, seeing a car parked on the street that looks like a car I once knew.
My mind scrambles as I rub my eye to ensure I am seeing clearly through my sleep deprived state. Once my eyes were clear again, I saw there was no car there. I sat at my desk which sits underneath the window, remembering the hardships I have faced and realizing every single one led me back to my bedroom window.
I once stood with my hands against the window, watching an ambulance checking on my grandpa after his last Thanksgiving dinner when he was having trouble breathing. I cried as I watched from a distance, not strong enough to go outside and face the cold air against my fear.
I once stood looking out the window, far enough away so my ex boyfriend couldn’t see me watching him as he left my house for the last time. He hesitated, looking up to my window and watching me with pain in his eyes. I cried at the sight, not being strong enough to go outside and break my already broken heart into even more pieces.
I once stood looking out the window, watching my best friend come to pick me up to go shopping for our senior prom dresses. I smiled at the sight, remembering the countless times she would come over to support me during my lowest moments. I rushed to put my shoes on before scurrying down the stairs and out the front door.
I finally look out my bedroom window, watching eight years of memories flash before my eyes. I watched out the window as my life changed, and my window was home to countless betrayals, heartbreaks, and enjoyments. I decide to open the window again, allowing the cold breeze to consume my tears as I remember my memories, good and bad, are what make life that much more valuable.