The Open Field

Tom walked down the hill of the bowl-shaped field. Aside from the trees surrounding the barrier and the lake nearby, the field was completely empty. The freshly cut green grass crunched beneath his feet with every step he took. He felt the warmth of the sun radiate on my skin, and the cool breeze from the wind to compliment it. He gazed upon the white, fluffy clouds which accompanied the deep blue sky. Aside from the sound of insects and the occasional chirping of birds, silence surrounded the field. Tom loved the silence. Silence meant no distractions. Without distractions, Tom could focus on the environment around him. There’s a presence he felt in nature he couldn’t find anywhere else. 

He felt a small hand slip into his. His daughter, Hannah, just turned 6 years old on Thursday, and Tom wanted to do something special with her this weekend. They decided slap together some sandwiches and drive to the lake for a picnic. Tom and his wife would go there all the time when they were dating, and it became a traditional vacation spot for him and his family. Tom picked Hannah off the ground and set her on his shoulders, carrying her down to the middle of the open field. After lifting her off his shoulders, he lay down the large, blue blanket and prepared their lunch. They brought with them turkey sandwiches on white bread, along with a couple of juice boxes. Tom and Hannah began to enjoy their meal. Tom lay on the ground and stretched his arms around my head for a little cushion. Tom wrapped Hannah in his arms and listened as Hannah began listing what she thought the clouds looked like. His favourite was the hippo with a pirate hat. As he listened to her, Tom wondered why children had such vivid imaginations, and why it seems to leave them the more they mature. Hannah’s so innocent and full of wonder, and Tom wanted it to stay that way for as long as possible. He often wonders what he did to deserve such a beautiful little girl. All he knows is he’s grateful for every moment spent with her.

After lunch, Tom and Hannah walked toward the small, secluded lake. An old dock was set up toward the middle of the bank. Tom heard the clunk sound coming from their footsteps. Tom leaned on the wooden railing surrounding the dock. Looking down, he could see the murky green water and the weeds near the surface. The scent from the lake water was strong. From the corner of his eye, Tom spotted a quick movement. He motioned Hannah over, and he pointed at a dark spot in the water. It was barely visible, but Tom knew exactly what it was. She didn’t see it at first, but after Tom urged her to look harder, she saw the fish that was circling the end of the dock. Tom asked her if she saw it, and, without taking her eyes off it, she nodded her head in awe. Against Hannah’s wishes, Tom decided it was time for them to leave. They packed their things into the car, and made their way back home. The ride back home was only 20 minutes away, but Hannah was already passed out in the back seat. Tom smiled as he thought about today. It was a nice, relaxing day spent with his daughter.