Not Fast Enough

Originally published in Five Minute Lit, July 2023

I’m fast as lightning, fast as She-Ra’s rainbow-winged unicorn, a blur to anyone who sees me. I run down the driveway, past the shrub where my pet snake, Frank, lives, and to the safety of the andromeda bush, my hiding place for sardines. Dad calls my name. He’s angry and I know why. He saw my wet pants. It’s the second time today. I’m five years old and wearing light-green stirrup pants. I have two pairs and swap them out so I won’t get in trouble, but I’m out of light-green stirrup pants. I’m found, and sent to my room.

The online publication, Five Minutes, features micro-memoirs,
hundred-word pieces about five minutes in a life.