i was taking her to one of my favorite spots in our town.

there was a small pond with a bridge overlapping it in one of the city's parks. 

my favorite part was the gigantic willow tree that stretched its branches over the water.

that's where i was taking her.

"are we there yet?" olivia asked, as i lead her through the city park, earning some glances from strangers.

"almost," i promised as we crossed the rickety bridge, the wood squeaking under my feet.

nobody came here anymore because the bridge was full of rotting wood and no one was up for an adventure.

i, on the other hand, loved the thrill of not knowing when the bridge would collapse.

i stopped in front of the willow tree, my mom's white christmas lights hanging from the branches.

everything was perfect.

"open your eyes," i instructed, watching her face closely.

her eyes fluttered open, her onyx pupils dilating at the sight of the christmas lights.

"you did this, for me?" she asked, looking up at my eyes.

a goofy smile tumbled onto my face.

"well, i had my mom's help."

she giggled.

"to be honest, she did most of it."

"but you had the idea," she replied.

"i want to take full credit, but for some reason i feel like my mom might not forgive me."

she laughed, her vocal cords chiming like bells.

i could get used to this.