The freewheel snicks as I coast towards the apartments. It’s overcast and the asphalt is perfect. I lean left and right, then stand up, legs pumping, rocking the bike. I see a little hill near the lot and steer towards the dirt groove running up it from other kids' bikes. Never noticed before, but it looks fun—the hum from my tires disappears as I roll onto the dirt, then ride up, over the top, zoom quickly down and then … sky. I hear the bike crash nearby. A no-parking sign creaks on a chain above me. I can't breathe.
Benjamin Kieran is a stay-at-home dad of three kids, getting back into writing.