Just a Step

She was the last one left in a paper crown. Sweeping confetti as

the year wound down. Heels in her hand. Street lights humming

low. I said, "Let me walk you. It's not far

to go." Fireworks sputtered smoke into the chill. We missed the

countdown by a heartbeat's thrill. You laughed and said, "We'll rewind time

some day." I led the way, the guardian who'd keep you

safe. We took the shortcut riddled with cracks where shadows lingered

but never attacked. I was the one who knew this path by heart.