My son picks a dandelion, standing head-and-shoulders proud above the grass around it, and blows. “I want to be a dinosaur,” he says. I think about the things I want: meadows of sun-drenched clouds, taut blue skies, the smell and swell of the sea, to share a meal with friends far-flung and long not-seen, quiet, time to write, time to myself, a corner of happiness. My son stomps, roars. “Look, Mummy! I’m a dinosaur!” Maybe it’s that easy. Maybe all I need to do is make a wish. Believe. I reach down, pick a dandelion, close my eyes, and blow.
Laura Besley is the author of three collections of short fiction: (Un)Natural Elements, 100neHundred and The Almost Mothers. Find her on Twitter @laurabesley.