By Dasha Young, TIWP Student

Water. The pool I spent endless hours catching up to the person in front of me. The coach saying “good job” to only me – the slowest on the team. The seconds slowly ticking on the clock as I push through, out of breath.

Water. Rain gently pattering on my umbrella as I walk home under the autumn colored trees, hoping the papers in my backpack didn’t get soaked. Getting home and trying to do homework, but too mesmerized by the ripples in the puddles and raindrops sliding off rooftops, making leaves bounce.

Water. Swimming in a warm ocean, but realizing that there must be hundreds of creatures under me. Racing back to the shore and pretending nothing had happened.

Water. Washing my face in the sink, trying to wash away all my problems of the day. To start with a fresh palate the next and hope for something better.

Water.

Fire. Waking up in the morning to hear the familiar sound of air purifiers buzzing, but feeling that something is off. Walking to the window, but instead of the normal blue sky, it is completely orange. The whole family walks outside, trying to hold their breath, so as not to breathe in any smoke. We stare at the now not-so-bright sun, completely shocked.

Fire. Coming to school and everyone is talking about the burnt down buildings. My friends explain that there are massive fires in LA, destroying homes and families. Watching the news, almost forgetting that we are nowhere near them.

Fire. The small warmth coming from the chimney in the winter, completely harmless by the metal net around it. Setting up a mattress near it to keep warm through the night, but not too close.

Fire.