Weightless

He loves running. He’s the fastest in his kindergarten. People remark how he runs so weightlessly, nothing holding him down.

He’s happy, free.

At home he puts on swim goggles for a mask and tears around like a superhero. His new sister toddles after him, never getting close, except when he remembers her.

He slows down only for her.

They play bouncy ball together every day.
One day it bounces too far.

He thinks he can outrun the truck.

He’s fast.

But today his feet betray him.

He trips.

The driver can’t see him.

He’s weightless, up and away, gone.