My tires trembled as I trailed through the lithic road. Was this finally happening? I thought to myself with consternation. You know that one thing you assume won’t be further challenging, yet once you make an attempt it seems more strenuous?  Well, that’s something I’ve experienced.

The sun was blinding my eyes as I gazed outside my bedroom window.  My eyes systemized on a little girl that matched my age. I watched as her hair followed the air while she effortlessly peddled away on her bike that mirrored the color of a tulip. My smile advanced as I started imagining myself riding blissfully and freely through my neighborhood. I slowly dimmed the thought and strutted downstairs through the hallways to find my mom sitting on the couch. “Mom, I really want to learn to ride a bike!” I waited for a response. She brought her head up and her eyes met mine.

“Let’s do it!” she said in a proud tone.

I raced to the garage, put on my helmet with excitement, and eagerly searched for my bike. Once my bike was in my grasp, I guided my bike to the top of my driveway.  I couldn’t wait another minute. Without any hesitancy or second thoughts, I had progressed my feet through the pedals.

My bike began transforming into a cheetah, frantically chasing after its prey.  My legs began to quake. Unsure of what to do, I lifted my hands, removed my feet from the pedals, and realized that the bike was the one in control. Butterflies danced around my stomach as I attempted to come to a stop, but that had only resulted in me on the ground.

I lifted my head and deeply scanned the road to make sure no one was watching. Quickly, I stood up.  My elbows and knees were painted with a scarce amount of scratches. My hope slightly began to diminish. I hiked my bike up my driveway. Maybe I should try slightly hitting the brakes? I thought to myself. I took a deep breath and made the decision to have another go down my driveway.

When it came to my attention that my bike was suddenly mimicking that act of a race car, I pressurized the brakes, but that had only left me on the rugged ground! What am I doing wrong?  I once again walked my bike back up my driveway, giving one last attempt.  My bike rushed down, and once again my mission had failed. Drowning in frustration, I got up slowly and hiked my bike up the driveway, but this time I didn’t bother to take another attempt. I removed my helmet and ran inside with grief. 

“I can’t do it, I can’t ride my bike!” I exclaimed to my mom.

She gazed at me with seriousness, “don’t give up, nothing comes without hard work and determination.” I thought to myself about how maybe she was right. Not everything happens in an instance; some stuff meets more of a challenging standard than others.

Recalling what my mom communicated, I grabbed my bike and stood on my driveway with a pocket full of hope . “3…2…1!”  I chuckled and began to pedal away! As I met the end of the driveway I forcefully swiveled my arms in attempts to turn, but that had only resulted in the bike and me resting on the ground.

The failing attempts repetitively occurred, until my eyes drifted up and saw the sun was fading and the moon was solemnly waiting for its time to excel. I took a deep breath, staring down the obstacle that had implored me to give up.  My mind twirled around the communication my mother and I had. Slowly, my bike trudged smoothly over the scabrous concrete, maintaining a steady pace and perfect balance.

The end of the driveway was close, and all I needed to attempt for my mission to succeed was a turn. I grasped tightly onto the handles, pedaling at a rapid pace. “3…2…1,” I counted in my head. I swerved my bike, aiming towards the left side of the road. My bike shuddered, but I seemed to stay at balance. Is this actually happening!?

As my bike swam serenely around the cul-de-sac, I stopped.  My mind took over, forcing me to remember the amount of struggles I had faced. The emotions that begged me to just give up. And then, it hit me. The only true way that I had accomplished those goals was by not letting those things overtake me, to push through those challenges and put in the effort it truly deserves. Remembering that, I let out a slight grin and began to pedal away.

 

 

 

 

-Mariam P.