The wind whipped through the open window, rustling the thin curtains and sending a chill down Hannah's spine. She shivered and wrapped her cardigan tighter around her body, but made no move to close the window. The cool breeze felt refreshing after being cooped up inside all morning cleaning.
Hannah gazed out at the swaying trees and rolling hills surrounding her small farmhouse. The wind tousled the grass and bushes, blurring them into a sea of green. She closed her eyes and listened to the wind's gentle whisper. It seemed to be calling her name, beckoning her to join its wild dance.
As a child, Hannah had loved nothing more than running through the fields behind her house, the wind streaming through her hair. She used to pretend it was alive - her friend and confidant. On days when her parents fought or school bullies tormented her, the wind was always there to dry her tears and soothe her worries.
But now at 35, the burdens of adulthood had weighed down Hannah's spirit. She kept the windows shut tight against the wind's playful touch and scolded herself for childish fancies. There were chores to be done, bills to pay. No time for make-believe. The wind belonged in the past, along with her carefree youth.
Still, on days like today when the wind sang its sweet melody, Hannah felt stirrings of her former self. A whisper of defiance against the monotonous grind of adult responsibility. A hint of whimsy begging to be rediscovered.
As the wind's song reached a crescendo, something inside Hannah snapped. Before she knew what she was doing, her feet carried her out the front door, across the creaky porch, down the front steps, and into the field. Hannah broke into a run, breathing in the fresh air, her skin alive with the wind's caress.
She laughed aloud, feeling years of tension begin to loosen their grip. Hannah cartwheeled and skipped through the grass like she was 10 years old again. Her hair flew wild, dress billowing around her knees. She raised her face to the sky, arms outstretched.
The wind curled around Hannah's body in an affectionate embrace. It whispered in her ear, “Welcome back, dear friend.”
Hannah smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. She had forgotten how good it felt to be free. The wind had awakened that part of herself that had been hibernating for too long. She was ready now to start living again.