Therapy Bits

In a quiet neighborhood, the sun cast a warm, golden hue over the street, as laughter and the sound of tiny wheels filled the air. Charlie, a wide-eyed five-year-old with tousled hair, sat confidently atop his shiny red tricycle, his pink helmet slightly askew. His father, Tom, a tall man with laughter lines etched around his eyes, stood a few paces behind, the corners of his mouth tugged upwards in a grin.

“Ready, set, go!” Charlie shouted, pushing off with all his might. The sturdy little tricycle rolled forward, wheels squeaking in delight as he sped down the sidewalk. Tom let out a playful roar, his feet pounding against the pavement as he took off in pursuit, the spirit of a child guiding his steps.

“Catch me if you can, Dad!” Charlie squealed, glancing back over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Tom pumped his legs, a mix of laughter and feigned exhaustion spilling from him. “Oh no, the fast tricycle is gaining on me!” he thundered, panting dramatically.

Charlie raced around the mailbox, veering slightly as he tried to make the next turn. Tom pretended to stumble, clutching his chest, sending Charlie into a fit of giggles. “I’m invincible!” Charlie declared, as he zoomed toward the small hill to gain speed.

Tom quickened his pace, determination flashing in his eyes. “Not for long!” he called, grit against the playful challenge. Charlie surged ahead, leaning forward as the wind tugged at his clothes. They sped through the dappled sunlight, laughter like music echoing off the neighbors’ houses.

Suddenly, Charlie turned sharply into the grass, veering off into the cool shade of an old oak tree. He squealed, “You’ll never catch me now!” He quickly attempted to navigate the uneven terrain, giggling nervously, but lost his balance, tipping over with a soft thud.

Tom’s heart raced, not with fear but with joy. He dashed over, crouching by his son as Charlie erupted into giggles, sprawled in the grass, his helmet slightly askew. “Looks like the mighty tricyclist has fallen!” Tom chuckled.

“I’m okay!” Charlie replied, his cheeks rosy and eyes bright. He leaped up, dusting off his shorts, and climbed back on the tricycle, unwavering in his determination. “Let’s go again, Dad!”

Tom smiled, looking at his son’s infectious energy, and suddenly, the world felt perfect—just a dad, a tricycle, and endless laughter under the sun.

https://christinebialczak.com/2024/08/13/simply-6-minutes-welcome-to-the-challenge-08-13-2024/