Ice-Cream

Beads of sweat trickled down her neck, dampening her back.

“Quickly,” she muttered, her heart thumping so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it. Her tongue longed for the treat that was about to be bestowed upon her. She shuffled sideways as she followed the employee from counter to counter, trying to reach out, hoping the glass would somehow vanish.

She watched him expectantly as he picked up the scoop, her eyes gleaming and her heart thumping even louder.

When he slid open the refrigerator door, it felt as though he had opened the door to a world full of smiles and sweet tears. Her heart nearly stopped beating. He was taking far too long for one small scoop of ice cream.

He dug around in the tub and finally managed to bring up a scoop. She watched as strings of saliva slipped from her mouth, broke apart, and fell like pearls onto the floor.

Finally!!!

The ice cream was planted firmly in the cone, and now it was time for her to receive the sweet reward of her patience.

She stretched her arms as far as they would go and stood on the tips of her toes when he placed the cool cone into her hand. She clutched it close to her heart, like an athlete holding an Olympic medal.

She licked the ice cream, her tongue relaxing as the cool sensation spread through her mouth. As she scooped a little more in, every single taste bud seemed to relish the moment.

It was the reward for days of begging her parents.

The ice cream rolled around in her mouth, and when it trickled down her throat, it felt like melted rainbows. It flowed down and made its way to her stomach.

The last milestone achieved!!!