Broken

Sharp, intense pain engulfs my arm
Thick, wet tears stream down my face
The bang ringing in my ears

Everything else forgotten
How did it happen?
It’s all a blur

I thought I was a big kid as I ran to the car
My light up sneakers clomping against the garage stairs
No fears, no worries

I hop into the car
Swinging my bag across my shoulders
Thump
The bag landing with a satisfying sound

I begin to buckle, and then,
It happens
Almost as if in slow motion

First, my feet slip
I put them under me as if to stand
But they collapse under my body

A children’s car seat
Red trim, black seat
No buckle
Slippery, soft texture

It slips
It falls
No buckle

No restraints

I reach out my arm
Unaware of the possibilities
And I use it
To bear my fall

No parents to be seen
                                               
The door wide open
I open my mouth
To call for help

No sounds come out
Just silence
Just quiet
My arm
Excruciating pain
Hope for the best
Expect the worst

Broken?
Broken.

Thoughts chase each other through my head
Why now
Again?

Wonders
Thoughts

What’s next?