An Imperfect Year Remembered Through Perfect Moments

Twirling and whirling to the rhythm of outdated pop
lipstick stained tea cups and pillowcases
pink and gold party decorations
floral pajamas
’90s Irish girl-group bops
$15 frozen yogurt eaten on the floor
color-coded posters and planners
memorizing Disney Channel raps and choreography
reminiscing in the aisles of drugstores
collapsing over fictional romances
and lastly,
dimpled smiles, because happiness has been found again.

By Malia J., 16, San Jose, California