Endless Rail Rhythm
“Daddy! Wait!” Her tiny shrill voice pierced his eardrum before growing distant as her dainty body flung past him. “Ok! Ok!...go…go, higher!” Her voice, gained confidence with each excited breath as she swung back towards him. Her eyes wide, fighting the urge to blink, held within watery lids refusing to blink, as the air whipped them repeatedly with each ascension towards the sky. Davin chuckled, “Ready…set…” his voice trailed off, his hand following her movement, resting gently on her lower back as he timed the next push with perfect precision. Davin made sure his feet were barely touching the floor as he cautiously swayed beside her, giving him just enough time to execute a truly perfect push. A scream of delight fluttered out from her chest, the fear had begun to fade, giving way as it was enveloped by pure ecstasy as she closed her eyes. She was truly enjoying the swing set now, the cool air rushing past her blushed cheeks, finally allowing herself to trust her father’s momentous pushes. Slowing his already slight swing to a gentle rocking, he watched her kick her legs as if stepping up towards the sky, her little pink knuckles gripped the creaking chain, her tightly braided ponytail swaying from side to side, before pointing directly towards the ground causing Davin to bite his lip and hold his breath, worried as all fathers do, that maybe he had pushed just a little too hard. His ears were met with a feverish giggle, immediately followed by another excited shriek of joy. Relaxing his expression he smiled and closed his eyes. Cool air held him in its comforting embrace, the warmth of the sun spiced his brow, a sure sign that he would wake tomorrow with a slightly sun kissed forehead. With eyes still closed, Davin felt the crisp air rush past his cheeks as his daughter swung by him again, but the giggle was gone, the creak of the chain replaced by the galling of metal screeching against itself in a frightful squeal. A woman’s voice tore through the wretched sound, eclipsing all other senses with its vigor, “Davin! Grab her! Grab her now! Oh God no, please God no!”
