Taking Flight

I was taking a walk on a quiet night. The only sound I heard was my footfalls. I may have been humming an old tune. I looked up and saw that the moon was partly veiled by iceberg-like clouds. Downhill on the gravel road, I began walking slowly, looking at my aunt's house and the sentinel night light that lit up the large driveway. I wondered if my cousins were still up. I remember feeling lonely and I wanted to do something, anything. Not a living soul was around to keep me company. I wanted to turn that dread into something wild and exciting. 

I stopped in my tracks and looked up to the starry sky. Then something came over me. A feeling of profound freedom and that I had no limitations at all. All fear and doubt was gone. I looked down on the road, then upwards again. I lifted my arms with my hands outstretched and knees bent, then launched into the air, above the trees. 
I narrowly missed powerlines as I flew past the light pole. I could see the ripples on the lake as the moon reflected off it. I flew over the lake in a circle, controlling my speed and direction with just my hands. If I wanted to go faster, I'd clench my fists. To slow down, I'd just open my hands. Even though I was dreaming, I couldn't believe I was actually flying. Just like Superman!

This was beyond words. An unfathomable feeling. Suddenly, I realised that this wasn't real and doubt crept into my mind. I began losing control and I felt myself getting close to the water. I looked to my aunt's house and could see my cousins coming out. I began to panic and with clenched fists I flew to the back field, behind their house. Then I landed. I stood there and looked up to the sky. I wanted to take flight again, but it wasn't going to happen. I knew I was dreaming and let doubt make me weak. With a pained and heavy heart I walked back home. But, I did it, I thought to myself. I flew. Before I reached my house, I woke up.

Even if it's just a dream, it's one of the most amazing and empowering  experiences you could ever dream of.