Inspired by “Young” — Vacations

It was one of those stupidly warm afternoons where the air feels like syrup. You were waiting outside the S.S. Motors garage, legs dangling off the curb, chewing on a popsicle that was melting way too fast. Mikey rolled up on his bike, helmet hanging off one handle, pretending he “just happened” to be passing by — even though he very obviously wasn’t. He parked, flopped down next to you, and rested his head on your shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Let’s disappear today,” he murmured So you did. You wandered through empty streets, stopped at vending machines, bought drinks you didn’t even want, sat on swings you were too old for. You teased him for his terrible drawing when he made you doodle something on the sidewalk with chalk. And Mikey kept glancing at you the way someone does when they're scared to blink and lose the moment. When you two lay on the grass in a park no one visited anymore, he whispered: “Don’t grow up yet.” You asked why.

He shrugged, eyes soft and tired. “’Cause everything feels easy when I’m with you. And I don’t wanna lose that yet.” You didn’t say anything back — you didn’t need to. He closed his eyes and let the sun hit his face, trusting you enough to fall asleep beside you. In his mind, that whole day became a memory he’d replay for years. A day where you both felt young, safe, and quietly in love — even if neither of you said it.