The dry, sharp air entered my lungs as I sat in the long strands of wheat grass. All morning I was on edge, as if something I was doing was amiss (Foreshadowing) My closest companions and I drained the entirety of the morning molding the rough concrete to our desires using simple sidewalk chalk. My accomplices and I were oblivious to the fact that we had been “vandalizing” public property. My mind sapped back to reality when a man’s hoarse voice managed to bellow “Hey you get out of there!”. My fragile neighbor had seen us and jumped to the conclusion that we were dangerous vandals with malicious intent. Perplexed, I looked at him when he called me by name, as if I were alone. I realized that he hadn’t seen my accomplices. I pivoted and almost choked on my hair, while the wind decided to pick up. I locked eyes with the nearest ally and whispered “run”. My bandana, which had been previously used to protect my nose, mouth and lungs from dust and chalk, was still pulled up over my protruding cheekbones, concealing my identity. I turned my back and exited the mouth of the storm drain as soon as I saw the last of my friends dissolve into the darkness. My frail neighbor had stopped at his back fence and was shaking a bony finger in my general direction. The entirety of my being screeched at me to run, to hide, to follow my friends. I stepped forward and bolted to the right. At least if I got caught, my friends would be innocent; this was a sacrifice I was willing to take. Weaving and darting through backyards and tacky lawn art, I eventually tired out my fragile foe. Sweat beaded on my forehead and my hands trembled at my sides. I flew around the rough, broken brick sign that signaled the entry of our neighborhood. As I slid behind my barrier, nettle thorns lurking in the bark (personification) pricked my exposed skin. I didn’t notice, or care. My heart thudded in my chest deafening me.
I wrestled my heavy breathing under control and peeked around the corner and saw my enemy retreating into his dead looking house. I had won, I had escaped and I had gotten everyone out alive. As I made a cautious beeline for my back gate it seemed as if this empty neighborhood was full of people willing to turn me over to the enemy.(Paradox) I had never experienced such a rush, such a high. I would always remember this day as one with adrenaline filled veins, a swollen pride and a story to tell.