You Only Live Once

   Trying to calm myself, I turned and slowly got out of my bed, feet lightly gracing the warm wooden floor of my room. I looked up at the only window, and saw the moon, full and still shining in the dark, early morning sky. I inwardly groaned and collapsed back onto the bed, a feeling of exhaustion overcoming me. I was unsure of how much sleep I had lost to this god-forsaken nightmare, but it sure had taken its toll on me.

   I hadn’t told mother or father about it yet, and I didn’t plan to. I did not want them worrying about such a silly thing as a bad dream. Winter was coming soon, and everyone was getting prepared. I hadn’t even told my little sister, for fear she would too start having nightmares.

   After lying on the bed uncomfortably for a short amount of time, I re-adjusted my body under the covers and attempted to sleep. However, each time my eyes shut darkness would swallow me and the nightmare started again. I sighed, and sat upright. No sleep for me tonight, once again.

   Crawling out of the warm bed, I slowly walked out of my room and down the narrow hall of our little home, headed for the living room. I was sure my sister and parents were still asleep, and not wanting to wake them, I slipped quickly and quietly out the front door. It was completely dark outside, except for the few areas where the moon shined its bright glow. After observing no one was around, I headed out of the village and into the dense forest, smiling as the soft feeling of grass under my feet replaced the roughness of the dirt path.

   Walking along the well-worn trail through the woods, I smiled to myself contently. Everything was quiet, calm, and for once in this long, seemingly sleep-less month, I welcomed the darkness around me. I felt safe hidden between the trees, memories of playing inside my mind. Memories with the other children of the village out here when I was younger; hunting, fishing, and learning the ways of the forest with my father; and more recently, playing multiple games with Elizabeth and her friends out in the forest.

   Lost in my thoughts, I almost fell over the edge of the rocky cliff I had wandered out onto. Looking down at the lake below me, I felt fear creeping up my spine. Slowly, I climbed down the rocks and stood directly in front of the water line. Images of the nightmare started to appear in my brain; an image of myself thrashing out at the water, only to continue sinking as my lungs yearned for air, Elizabeth screaming my name from somewhere above me.

   I shuddered and pushed the thoughts away, telling myself that it was only a dream. I knew how to swim; in fact I was pretty good at it. It made no sense that I would drown, and yet I still felt afraid of the water.

   There was only one way to get over this new fear, and so I took off my cloak and waist-jacket, tossing them aside silently. I breathed in and out deeply, and started to walk into the water, chills from its cold temperature making me shiver slightly. I felt the water up to my waist, and I promised myself I wasn't going to back out now.

   Slowly the water level climbed up to my shoulders, and with a split second decision, I held my breath, closed my eyes, and went under the surface. I started to feel panic rising in my chest, but I quickly calmed myself, opening my eyes in the water. Ignoring the mild burning sensation I got in return, I took in the underwater scenery.

   The moon’s light was able to penetrate through the water, shining on the rocks and dirty, sloped lake floor. A few fish could be seen drifting in the tiny currents, seemingly unaware of my presence. My lungs soon started to burn for air, and I took one final glance in front of me before pushing myself back above the water. I inhaled sharply, grateful for the warm air that blew throughout the clearing as I quickly started to shiver once again, but not from fear this time. I smiled, knowing that I would no longer be afraid of the water.

   I swam to the edge of the lake and stood up before trying unsuccessfully to shake the water off of my clothes. I groaned, and swiftly pulled off my shirt and wringed it out, watching as the water dripped onto the shore. Looking down at my pants, I decided against trying to dry them off and simply head back to the cottage. I got re-dressed, and looked at the water one last time.

   As I walked away from the lake, I couldn’t help but notice how at ease I felt. Everything just felt right. I was no longer worried about the nightmare, about the water, I wasn’t even worried about my soaked pants. I smiled, and let out a joyous laugh. I turned on my heels and raced back over to the rocks, starting to climb them again. I carelessly jumped from ledge to ledge, simply chuckling whenever my grip would slip. I reached the top within seconds, and let out a cheer standing on top as if I had just climbed a mountain.

   I tilted my head up, and smiled at the full moon. It seemed to shine even brighter than before, and I felt the wind pick up speed, blowing in the direction of the village. Surprised, I felt my smile fade as the glow of the moon dimmed a little. As I turned to follow the wind, I could’ve sworn I heard someone, talking in a hushed, calm voice:

   Return home; enjoy life to its fullest extent, Jack. Have fun, you only live once.

   And for some unknown reason, I turned back to the moon and smiled, nodding.

   Slowly I made my way back home, coming up with tons of new games for Elizabeth and I to play this coming winter. As soon as I got home, I pulled out my quill, ink, and writing pad to create a list.

   And at the top of the list was ice skating.